Do it matter? - rg45 vs rg60 for oxy/acet

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Went by LWS today and they did not have any rg45 rod. However buying by the pound out of thier bulk was still cheaper than buying rg45 in the little packages at Tractor supply. I am only welding mild steel. Could not find any info on the difference other than the higher tensile strengh of rg60. Just curious if there is any reason I would not just use the rg60 for pretty much everything i would do with the rg45. Thanks DonLast edited by InTheSticks; 04-08-2008 at 11:34 PM.
Reply:I took an O/A welding class this past winter. I was having problems, so I asked my intructor to 'show me'. Before welding 1", he asked me "Is this RG-45?" It wasn't, I'd picked up a piece of RG-60 from the 'used' pieces. This guy has been teaching for 32 years at Pickens in Denver. So......yep, it matters.My point is: he didn't like RG-60, even though he can teach any process in any position.FWIW: Mild steel is 30,000.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Craig, I'm curious. What problems were you having with the rg60?
Reply:thanks Craig - Oldtimer asked my question though - what were your problems? Oldtimer - you are bound to have used both can you tell any difference?I understand either filler metal has more tensile strength than mild steel. Just wondering if is any more difficult to run a bead with the rg60 or if there are any issues with bonding ect because the rg60 is designed for low alloy  steel. or any weird items comming in from left field I have not considered. thanks again DonLast edited by InTheSticks; 04-09-2008 at 04:48 PM.Reason: spelling - probably still missed some;-)
Reply:Yes, I've used both and prefer the rg60. In fact I haven't used rg45 for a long time. I found a long time ago that I could make a smoother weld with the rg60 and just quit carrying anything but it. I have never had any trouble getting it to bond, just melt 'em together.Making a smooth weld is pretty much a thing of the past with me. I have developed intension tremors or that is what the Dr. calles them. Never bothers me until I do something that puts some tension on my arms and my hands start to shake. Plays hell with running a pretty bead or drawing. Sometimes I can barely write. You all keep your head out of the welding fumes.
Reply:Here are a couple of photo I did earlier today.  That is 16g 1"sq tubing.  I There are only two different setups. The flat rg45 was done on the back of the rg60 setup, same for vertical up.  The only think I noticed is the rg60 didn't spread out as wide.The rg45 vertical up is pilot error.  It was the first vertical I did and it was below me as I was going up.  However It is still wider than the rg60.   The rg60 also appeared to blend better, however it was the second weld on the already hot metal.The last photo is just fused no filler.  Just because...Anyway, I don't see any issues with using rg60.
Reply:Oldtimer and InTheSticks:That was several months and coupons ago, but I'll try. It seems that I was having an unusual amount sparking (like a load of mill scale) and was having trouble with the wetting in. (I know, more heat.) Unfortunately I don't even remember the position. I do remember that I was so proud that I noticed the rod in the supply room was RG-60 (You know, like a trick question). So I hunted down the RG-45. However, I had picked up some pieces from 'leftovers' for set-up. One of them was the RG-60 that we had both tried.I even remember him saying about the RG-60, "That stuff welds funny. Use the RG-45." Whatever was going on was fixed with the 45.PS: He's a retired pipe fitter, now supervising at a refinery here.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Thanks all! Old timer I figured you would have the answer.Tapwelder that is definintly beyond the call of duty thank you and then someCraig I appreciate your taking the time to come back and clairify. tried some last night - I like it but does seem to require a little more heat - maybe that is why it did not spread out as much for tapwelder. whatever it seems to be fine.