For teaching someone new to welding I would use 3/32. I tought my boys using it on 4" pipe.
When they are comfortable rooting with it I also believe it is important to use 1/8" also. Because most real world pipe jobs I have worked on will be using the larger rod.
I'm not that great at stick an am better with tig on pipe but been practicing with 1/8 6010 5p++++ on 3 inch schedule 40 on a 6G and don't find it to bad at all, thought one time I should try 3/32 but it didn't take long to get use to the 1/8 rods.
We used 1/8th in school and thats what I use most on jobs. Don't drop to a 3/32 until I get around 2" pipe and less. You practice and get good with a 1/8" rod and you can run a 3/32, 5/32, 3/16. In my opinion the 3/32 is a little harder to control just because of the size of the rod. 1/8" rod, 3/32" land, 3/32" gap and it'll lay in there like butter.
I have always used 1/8" myself, but recently a graduate came by who is working for a major piping contractor, out of the local UA. He told me a journeyman on the job was showing him to use 3/32" on these joints... which is not something which ever really even crossed my mind.
I am attempting to find out how common that may be, and if it is something I should consider including in our curriculum. My philosophy has always been if a welder can run a bigger diameter, a smaller rod (if available) should be easy.
Thanks again for any feedback.
Hey Blaster, I typically try to avoid 3/32" like the plague. it always seems to me that 3/32" likes to dance around a lot on it's own. I am generally much steadier and more consistent with the larger diameters. But maybe that's just me. Best regards, Allan
I use 1/8 6010 5p+, if you can't get 5p+ use 5p( red brick color) turn your heat up about 10 more amps. I use an old combo square scale, split it down the middle(the groove), heat it up and make a "Y" out of it, that gives you a decent 3/32 root gap. Hope that helps, take some pics for us
I have heard that ESAB makes a 10p+ that runs like a 5p+ but alot cheaper.
yes ESAB makes 10P and 10P+ they work like the old lincoln but cheapper.
Thanks I'll have too look them up and see how much cheaper.
That's what I was trying to get across. Seems there's a bit more concentration trying to get the root in with the 3/32". The rest of the weld is business as usual but the root it seems you can get into trouble quick, makes it even more fun when your running a one inch pipe!
I use 3/32. I have used 1/8". but with 1/8" you get blow a big hole in her. hard to do with 3/32
I use 1/8. Go farther, less starts and stops, doesn't wiggle as much im my shakey hands.
I carry a few 3/32" with me for 3/4 and less socket welds .
Gerald Austin
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