Welding rods - type and price

[fractured]

I am looking at getting an inverter welder and I haven't purchased rods in a long time, and that was through work.

Firstly, what type of rods for general mild steel work. I presume 6013 will be OK?

What make - is there any particular makes to go for, or even more important- any to avoid?

This is going to be for hobby work, so I won't be using lots. Work will be varied but I would expect anything between 2.5mm box sections, 4 to 6mm thick angle etc, but also some 10mm plate (though this will be generally joining to it - 16mm bar, 6mm plate/RSA etc).

It's an inverter unit which I want for the tig facility, but may as well get rods for it.

Many thanks.

Mick

 

[Popcorn]

I like Murex 6013 made the mistake of getting some Super 6's off the internet and there ****e.

 

[TEO]

+1 for Murex, I also like Bohler, 6013s seem to work well in just about every situation I've come across....except overhead.... but that was probably me being carp

 

[Mick Annick]

A few suggestions here:

6013 electrodes

I’m back in the UK next week and need to get some more 3.2 rods whilst I’m over. At the moment I’m using Bohler AWS, but was wondering if the Blau are worth the extra cost - they’re about 3x the price. I’m not a professional so 5kg will do me for 6 months, with a few 2.5 in the mix, what do you...

www.mig-welding.co.uk

 

[frank horton]

on the continent Olleron are my go to rod.....even as far down a Greece....
last box of 6013's was €20's.......

 

[Kram]

Id recommend getting some 1.6mm's - which only seem available in 6013 grade. Great for tacking any thickness, and dificult pieces, thin stuff. They can stick blades and almost negate the need for an argon bottle and tig. Also great for practise, less to grind off if you get it wrong! I have done 0.8 and 1.2m sheet with them. You dont get a great length of bead per rod, but you get a lot in 1kg.

As with any rods, expensive unless you buy in bulk. I currently have plenty but Id suggest a box here, and split at cost with the forum - which I plan to do when I need more. 9kg split 5 ways is great value, about 1.8kg for £12 plus post.

Oerlikon Overcord E Mild Steel ARC STICK Welding Electrodes Rods 6013 | eBay

Oerlikon Overcord E 6013 Quality Welding Electrodes.

www.ebay.co.uk

7018's are very useful but only seem to be 3.2's?. They burn differently and often work better than 6013's, other times harder to start. Good on tube?

2 and 2.5mm also usefull.

 

[Turbo]

Ine blau/blue 6013's in 2.5 & 3.2 will cover every type of welding you mention. Nearly as good as oerlikon fincords without the premuim price tag plus they're made in Italy, not China so quality is consistently good.

I'm starting to use more 7018's as they work better out of position. Not all welders can run them & can be hard to strike but once you get the arc started they are idiot proof, good weld nearly every time & no slag traps!

 

[Richiew]

7018s, much easier to see the weld pool. Hard to restart.

6013 rods store and keep much better if you don't use many. 7018s can turn into paint stirrers if you aren't careful. They absorb moisture and run/strike badly after a while on the shelf.

3.2mm rods I found easier as a beginner as they burn more slowly, so you are more likely to keep a tight arc trying to compensate as the rod burns away.

Main thing is to get some hood time and find out for yourself.

 

[fractured]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate your comments.

I will look to get some 6013s.

I really need to get some and have a go. It's been a while since I really tried arc but hopefully a few youtube videos will refresh the mind.

 

[Dessieb2022]

Thanks folks, I really appreciate your comments.

I will look to get some 6013s.

I really need to get some and have a go. It's been a while since I really tried arc but hopefully a few youtube videos will refresh the mind.

Watch Timwelds on YouTube, he is in the states but has done a few videos with 6013s and is super helpful with any questions.

 

[Popcorn]

Don't forget pretty good tutorials on this site as well

Arc Welding Tutorial

This practical arc welding tutorial, supported by videos, is intended to bring a complete beginner up to a basic standard of welding

www.mig-welding.co.uk

 

[Kram]

Lidl have them at the moment, 2mm and 2.5mm 6013's which are acceptable.

 

[fractured]

Ah, I wondered what grade they were. They have RC11 on them and wondered what the equivalent grade was.

 

[Turbo]

Anything smaller than 2.5's are harder to use as there is a higher ratio of flux to steel so you run a greater risk of getting slag inclusions.

 

[Feet 'n Inches]

Anything smaller than 2.5's are harder to use as there is a higher ratio of flux to steel so you run a greater risk of getting slag inclusions.

Plus if you suffer from even slightly shaky hands (annoying feature of increasing age ) then thinner rods will often make life exceedingly difficult. . . . you can't always guarantee being able to work with two hands.

2.5s and 3.2s would be my choice for most of the steel sizes you'll be using, IMO.

 

[Smouser]

Anything smaller than 2.5's are harder to use as there is a higher ratio of flux to steel so you run a greater risk of getting slag inclusions.

That is probably why I get slag in some of my welds when welding up cast iron. Sure the rods I got are only 2mm.

I can't complain too much though, I got them free.

 

[Stupoty]

I like Murex 6013 made the mistake of getting some Super 6's off the internet and there ****e.

Glad it's not just me with the super 6's

Stu