Help with choosing rods

[Parm]

im a novice hobby welder with Top Weld 160 arc welder. What size of rods should I get forgeneral purpose welding of 2 to 3mm metal. 2.5 or 3.2??

 

[Kent]

2.5mm for sure on sheet, you could get away with 3.2mm on box but why not get a box of both decent quality 6013 and just store them in a centrally heated place they will last

 

[Richard.]

2.5s as above and I bet that will be tricky if your new to welding especially on the 2mm

 

[Parm]

Should I go for 3.2 then ??

 

[Tigman]

3.2s will be a tad overkill for 2mm 2.5s will be fine

 

[Richard.]

Should I go for 3.2 then ??

No. 2.5. As we all suggest. A 3.2 needs 110 amps minimum to burn. Which on a 3mm plate will be too much

 

[Parm]

Thanks folks, 2.5 orderd

 

[Turbo]

If you're just practicing it's best to start with 3.2's on some 4mm plate and then switch to 2.5's when you are confident. A 3.2 rod is a lot easier to use than a 2.5, one of the reasons being it has a lower flux/filler ratio so you are less likely to get inclusions.