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About stick electrodes

by Ray
(Bartlett, Tennessee)

My welding instructor said once, that the wire in the SMAW electrode is the same for all electrodes, and I am not stressing all electrodes, but say 60 series, 70 series, etc. The strength differences come from the slower cooling rate caused by the thicker flux. You, like most professional welders, seem to not value some of the less-used electrodes. I have never been as proficient with 6010-11 as I would like, and when appearance matters, I often use 6013 as a cap pass. You are absolutely correct when you comment on using higher amperage with 6013, as it is harder to get metal to wet-out without the digging, or jet type action of the 6010-11 series. I have noted in manufacturers information that 6010-11 series rods are among the very few classified as penetrating rods. The 7018-24 classes are listed as more of a cover rod. Thanks for the web site and keep up the good work with the site. You pass a wealth of good hints and tips for those of us that don't weld on a daily basis, and don't have the facilities nor cash to do the testing, etc. that you do. I learn something with every installment. My former instructor was a 19 year, API-1104 Certified pipeliner, and did mostly tie-ins. He is still a wealth of knowledge for me. I'll never work in the trade, as at 67 years of age, I don't WORK at much of anything. It's all pleasure for me now. Warmest regards, and many thanks for the time you spend in educating those of us that still want to do a good job when welding. Ray


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Ray, many thanks for the kind words.

jody

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May 29, 2010
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MISINFORMED
by: JW STOLL JR.

THE DIFFERENCE IN STRENGTH BETWEEN 60 AND 70 SERIES RODS DOES NOT REPEAT NOT COME FROM HEAVER FLUX OR SLOWER COOLING RATES! I HATE TO DISAGREE WITH THE GENTLEMAN'S WELDING INSTRUCTOR BUT I WILL ANYWAY. THE DIFFERENCE IN WELD METAL TENSILE STRENGTH COMES FROM THE FILLER METAL.

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