Easiest electrodes for training?

I wanted to buy some electrodes today to do some easy steel welding. Any suggestions for elecrodes that are easiest to work with?

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Reply to
Ignoramus10467
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For years I only used 7014 in the horizontal position. It's a drag rod, no need to weave the arc. I think it's the easiest to use. However, now that I routinely use 7018, today it seems just as easy. Lot of guys swear by 6013, though. - GWE

Reply to
Grant Erwin

You'll find that most will recommend 6013 and 7014 to begin with. Personally I found the heavy flux coat difficult for me when I started welding. I prefer 6011 and 7018 myself. Both have low enough flux that you can easily see the puddle and know what it's doing.

And for those that will state "but you have to have a rod oven for

7018" my answer is this. Yes a rod oven is needed if you need the full low hydrogen capability of the rod. However if a mild steel electrode will do the job then none ovened 7018 will do it as well and probably better.

Wayne Cook Shamrock, TX

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Reply to
Wayne Cook

I would not recommend 7018. The flux does a great job of shielding the arc because the rod burns back inside the flux. So when you stop and then restart the arc, you have to break off the flux at the end of the rod in order to strike the metal of the rod. Not a big deal if you mostly start an arc and use up the whole rod. PITA if you are making a bunch of short welds or having difficulty in learning to strike an arc.

Dan

Reply to
dcaster

Reply to
RoyJ

Definitely if you want to just weld choose E 6013. If you were taking formalised instruction I would start you on E 6011 or E 6010. Cellulose rods are the doorway to enlightenment :') Randy

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Reply to
R. Zimmerman

I got some 7018 and 6013, I think. Thanks to all!

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Reply to
Ignoramus10467

As a welding teacher I prefer 6011 as a training rod. Learning to run 6011 with proper technique makes all other rods much easier. It also is much cheaper than most other rods.

Reply to
Ernie Leimkuhler

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