Stainless Steel Stick Rod

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I used to do a lot of SS stick welding in the 90's but then switched jobs and was doing smaller piping and tig was the way. In the past few years I've had to do some 8" + pipe and structural and I'd rather stick for the speed. I started having problems with the stick, no matter the brand I would get 1-3 holes in the 1st inch of the weld and sometimes one hole in the middle so I gave up and just tig everything. Yesterday I found 5 Pink coated 309L rods and they had the sweetest weld like I used to remember. Nice and flat, no holes, ran like a dream. Does anyone know who mfg this rod or any suggestions on a good stainless rod.
Reply:Don't do a lot of SS stick welding.  I'm working my way through a can of ESAB Arcalloy 308L-16 DCEP.  It's easy to start and hold an arc, lays down quality beads, and has minimal, easy to remove slag.  Not cheap though.  I would guess ESAB makes a 309L version.TeddCoHTP Microcut 400 & Invertig 160DC  Smith Dual Guard MD-510 OA Rig  Lincoln SP135+  Hobart Stickmate LX 235/160
Reply:I have some McKay 308 that runs good.  I forget the exact number of the rod.  It came in a white and red round metal can.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I have been using ESAB 316L and 317L recently and like the way they run.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Hello hawaiinite, "some" of the stainless steel rods do require holding in a rod oven to prevent moisture pick-up. You should also consider rod type, as a mis-match of alloy type could spell problems for certain applications. If you are already aware of all of this please disregard my statements. The Hobart Pocket Guide, ESAB's filler metals guide, and a host of others can help to select proper ss rods when the base alloys are known and give many of the specifics of their application and special considerations. Best regards, Allanaevald
Reply:Ill have to agree with some who have stated above, i run ESAB 316L on all of my pipe  "all out of position" and love the way it runs. The holes you are encountering and usually due to rod angle, causing the flux to slightly run ahead of the puddle. Stainless stick is very picky when it comes to cleanliness of the material, heat, and rod manipulation theirs really no room for fallin asleep behind the helmet as some would say!
Reply:I appreciate the input guys, I welded with the pink flux rod exact same way but I will try the ESAB. Problem is I live in Hawaii and the only brands stocked locally are Hobart, Lincoln, and Radner. I'll order some ESAB and try it out.Thanks again,Nita
Reply:preheat your rods