Little advice for newbie

[txargyll]

Hi I'm welding mostly 3mm mild steel. Is it ok to weld with 2.5 rods or should i really be using 3.2?

I use a clarke arc150, max 130amps min 30amps.

I like using the 2.5 rods better but will i lose penetration using these over the 3.2 rods

I was told recently that i should match the size of rod to the thickness of material but wanted your opinion before i order my first 5kg batch.

Cheers

 

[brightspark]

i use 2.5mm rods for virtualy everything. most things between 90 and 120 amp

 

[migman123]

Hi I'm welding mostly 3mm mild steel. Is it ok to weld with 2.5 rods or should i really be using 3.2?

I use a clarke arc150, max 130amps min 30amps.

I like using the 2.5 rods better but will i lose penetration using these over the 3.2 rods

I was told recently that i should match the size of rod to the thickness of material but wanted your opinion before i order my first 5kg batch.

Cheers

I'd use 2.5 on 3mm steel

 

[Kent]

2.5mm deffo. I expect to run most at 70-80 on 3mm, if the rods support it DCEN as you don't want to run too fast or hot on most types of joint on 3mm

 

[txargyll]

Thanks guys, should i get 6013 or should i go for another type of rod

 

[Kent]

a good 6013 is perfect and what the rods were made for

 

[God mode restorations]

I use 2.5 6013s on most of the stuff I do...a good easy rod to use.......

 

[Bill Edwards]

2.5 is the best size for your work, and as I think your welder is a 'buzzbox' there aren't many choices of rod types, 6013 will be your best bet.

 

[txargyll]

Thanks all. Great little forum this!

 

[Richard.]

I've never heard of use the size rod to match the steel thickness. 2.5 rutile 6013's are perfect for that job and thicker. I'd probably step up to 3.2 around 6mm thick. With 3mm I'd be looking around the 70Amp -75amp mark.

 

[God mode restorations]

Hi..this is a 6013 2.5 oerlikon rod ran at 110 amps on 4mm plate..there awesome rods to use ...

 

[HughF]

If i'm using 6013, which is normally when I'm making small frames/stands/tables from 1" or 2" square tubing with 1/8 wall, I use 3.2mm rods. I never use 2.5mm.

It all depends what you prefer, if you're used to 2.5, stick with that, but if you want to do more of the thicker stuff, you should keep some 3.2 in stock.

 

[HughF]

Hi..this is a 6013 2.5 oerlikon rod ran at 110 amps on 4mm plate..there awesome rods to use ...

That would have gone in a whole lot better with a 3.2mm at 110-125A

 

[Richard.]

If i'm using 6013, which is normally when I'm making small frames/stands/tables from 1" or 2" square tubing with 1/8 wall, I use 3.2mm rods. I never use 2.5mm.

It all depends what you prefer, if you're used to 2.5, stick with that, but if you want to do more of the thicker stuff, you should keep some 3.2 in stock.

Even on 3mm?
Bit over gunned if you ask me.

 

[Richard.]

That would have gone in a whole lot better with a 3.2mm at 110-125A

I agree if he's using 110 amps any how then a 3.2 is more suitable. I would probably cap my limit at 100 max with a 2.5.

 

[HughF]

Yep, normally 90-100a on 1/8 stock. Bohler/Phoenix union 6013. I built about 100 linear ft of benches a few years back, all 1"x1/8th box, all 1/8 rod.

 

[God mode restorations]

That would have gone in a whole lot better with a 3.2mm at 110-125A

I make you right..a 3.2 would of been better...only had a box of 2.5...

 

[Tinbasherdan]

Spencer, knock your amps down to around 80-90 on that 2.5 and that weld would've looked a lot better without the undercut, no need for a 3.2 rod there, I'd only be going up to 3.2 at about 8mm. To the OP, 2.5 rods Are perfect for that job, I've even used 2mm fin cords but they are a pain to use.between 70-80 amps and you'll be on the money for a nice run

 

[God mode restorations]

Thanks for your advice tinbasherdan...

 

[Tinbasherdan]

No problem