Which Rod to use.

admin

Hello fellas,If you had to choose between 1 rod for general purpose welding from 1/16 - 1/4 mild steel, which would you get, I know the amperage of the welder has allot to do with your selection.For example: what if a newbie with a 110 ac unit (90amps) and a cert. welder with a 220 ac unit (200amps), would there be a rod that both could use to get the job done.Thanks, Fred
Reply:3/32 7018 will do what you wish...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Personally I would have chosen a E6013 for this job, or E7014 both could be had in 3/32".   If it was for my own use I would of course use 3/32" 6010.  THe 7018 is a vertical up rod, not vertical down.  For vertical welds on thinner stuff, you will find it difficult to find control vertical up.  Good luck!IF it Catches...Let it Burn
Reply:If you think it's cheaper to buy just one box, it's not.  You'll burn through those 3/32 inch rods so fast trying to weld 1/4 plate.  You'll end up costing yourself more in 3/32 than if you just bought a box of 3/32 and a box of 1/8.  I would suggest 6013 for the 3/32 and 7018 for the 1/8 rod.
Reply:For my own use I'd go with 6010 (P5 Lincoln) and 7018, in the sizes recommended by 76GMC.
Reply:.....another vote here for 3/32 7018"I need this parade like I need a hole in the head"~John F.Kennedy
Reply:for what it's worth, I'd go with the 3/32 - 6013 if it ia an "AC" only machine.If its  ac/dc machine i'd go with the 6010-5p+ in 1/8", and the 7018 in 3/32 & 1/8", life is good when you've got more than 1 rod to choose from, Adam
Reply:So, why the preference for 6010?I know why I like it. It nearly lays itself on flat."I need this parade like I need a hole in the head"~John F.Kennedy
Reply:The 6010 is just a personal preference i guess. When you weld alot of pipe you just get used to the rod, and it seems like it'll do about anything you want it to
Reply:6010 was co-invented (i think) by Satan & Lincoln . But, it has its place. it is what 6011  ought to be . but, no way an ac machine will run 6010. if you NEED to weld through rust, mill scale, grease , dirt , &all kinds of sin & poor fit up , it will probably work,(6011 not nearly as good )  If I were tied to an A C only machine, i'd try to get by with 7014 ; 7024 , &6011. For some reason, i never had much success with 6013, i still have 1/2 box i bought 30 some years ago .( for the root pass in a pipe joint , well , i guess maybe you are stuck w/6010 5p (5p plus )   )Last edited by Roy Hodges; 05-17-2006 at 11:37 AM.
Reply:http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldit/filler_metals/Here is a pretty good chart of the electrodes to use at different amps and current types.Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.