Which stick electrode=nice looking weld?

By rhoople47 (**)

Date 12-27-2002 13:06

How large of a weld are you talking, and is appearance all you're concerned about?

By DaveSisk (**)

Date 12-27-2002 15:37

Mostly 1/8" thick mild steel angle stock, 1" - 2" wide, some butt welds, some lap welds.

Thx!
Dave

By rhoople47 (**)

Date 12-27-2002 15:55

You might want to try 3/32" E7014, I welded a ton of that rod with very nice looking welds. It can be used in any position, and has a Rutile-Iron powder coating. The only draw back is it doesn't penetrate real well, so joint prep. may be required on your butt joints. Give it a try, everyone has a fav. rod to use, that's just mine.

By CHUB380 (*)

Date 12-27-2002 20:24

I agree with Rhoople 47 it is hard to beat the 7014 for looks And for 1/8 material it should penitrate enough. 6013 is also a very user friendly rod. Chub380

By CHGuilford (****)

Date 12-27-2002 14:30

That's a subjective question that will get a lot of "it depends on...".
We need to know; how thick is the steel? what position is the welding in? what is your idea of nice looking welds? what is the end use of the weldment? and so on.
If you want low-ripple weld surface, you can try 6013, 6027, 7028, or similar rods that leave a thick slag coating on top of the weld. Slower cooling rates wil flatten out the weld puddle. 6027 and 7028 are for flat grooves and flat or horizontal fillets.
Many rods will be low spatter if run in the middle of the amperage range while using a good technique.
6010 or 6011 welds look good if the beads are uniform in width and reinforcement, and are evenly rippled. But they aren't as smooth as other rods.
Joint prep and welder skill play a huge role in getting nice looking welds. Some welders can make nice welds with nearly any type of electrodes.
So, again, it depends......
CHGuilford