Identifying type of filler rod "ZE GIII"

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A friend gave me a bunch of these rods since I'm practicing/learning to TIG nowbut I can't find any details regarding the rods on the web and he has no ideawhat type they are (they were given to him also - he doesn't weld ). They are the same length and color (copper) as some ER 70 S - 6 and "steel" color at the tip of the rod/center. The only thing I can associate withthe "GIII" is the "G3"  I see in the EN440 standard name for  ER 70S-6as can be seen on this German web page:http://www.weldingtool.eu/weldingtoo...p-14398-4.html (not sure if it has anything to dowith it)Any pointer on how to identify them / could it be anything but TIG filler rod ? (Haven't seen oxy rod  / not sure if there is any resemblance / can it be usedfor TIG ?)
Reply:its er70s6... says it right there under the normbezeichnung...
Reply:weldbead, I inserted that page because I saw "G3" there (just a productI saw which had "G3" in the name). The rod which I have has the "ZE GIII" stamped on it but not sure if it has anything to do with"G3" - also, as I said, never seen oxy wire / not sure what elseit could be (I guess it is TIG rod - by the lenght) and whether there are any health/other consequences of using the rod since I don't know what it is (newbie worries  )
Reply:Originally Posted by vjekoweldbead, I inserted that page because I saw "G3" there (just a productI saw which had "G3" in the name). The rod which I have has the "ZE GIII" stamped on it but not sure if it has anything to do with"G3" - also, as I said, never seen oxy wire / not sure what elseit could be (I guess it is TIG rod - by the lenght) and whether there are any health/other consequences of using the rod since I don't know what it is (newbie worries  )
Reply:GIII fill rod spec is DIN 8554 Euro spec and AWS5.2 R60 N.A. spec which would make this a gas welding rod not to be used for TIG. TIG rods can usually be used for O/A, but not the other way round.The is copper coated, 1m in length and you cannot tell by looking at it which application it is made for. The rod won't withstand the high temp. of a TIG arc, and if you attempt to use it for that purpose you can expect brittle welds.
Reply:Pro-Fab - thanks !Just one more thing - since I'm practicing TIG, can I use it just for practice or am I out of luckeven for that ?  BTW - I did see some thread (can't find it now) about the copper on TIG rods needingto be sanded or something / any special precautions during welding (due to copper) - I try towear a mask at all times but sometimes lazy and seem to feel some difference in "taste" in the mouthas a result (must stop being lazy  )
Reply:Some people do remove the copper coating, but I never have. It si applied strictly to prevent rust. Most bare axy/ acetylene and MIG wire come with the same coating. The major brand manufacturers are very protective of their good name, and if the coating was going to be detrimental to the welds, they would not put it on in the first place. Also, if their was a serious health hazard,OSHA would be all over it. There is a much greater fuss raised over the issue of grinding radioactive thoriated tungsten.That said, because you have old fill rod, rubbing them down with scotch brite may be beneficial if there is surface rust or other contamination. You can still use these rods to practice your technique, but don't be too dissapointed if you end up with poor quality welds. Mild steel filler is not that epensive, and I am sure a local welding shop will sell you a lb. or less if you don't have a supplier.