Welding Tips and Tricks

Hello,

I'm an apprentice pipefitter -- still quite green. This is my first foray into arc welding, and I'm starting to get pretty decent (all things considered). I know 6010 is generally used for root passes, with 7018 used for the cap and fill. To get more arc time, I've decided to undertake a few smallish fabrication projects. One of those projects is a firewood rack. I'm planning on building it out of 2x2 square stock, with decorative gussets.

So here's my question: I'd like nice, clean welds, and since this is going to be new metal, so provided I clean everything well, I should be able to use 7018 and get plenty of penetration, provided the amperage is dialed in, correct? OR am I relegated to using 6010 because it digs better and gets fantastic penetration?

7018 will be fine. This is not pipe work to meet a pressure rating.

Don't overthink the work...

Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote:7018 will be fine. This is not pipe work to meet a pressure rating.

Don't overthink the work...

Steve S

Yep. 7018 is going to give a nice appearance and if done right, will last longer than youll be using that firewood rack.

Getting a test piece of the tubing, and see which you can run better, and which looks better.
Either will work, imo.

Sent from my SM-G900R4 using Tapatalk

I worked on a carry all frame a while back. I welded a bracket to the top to hook a clevis to or a chain hook and I welded some braces to it to strengthen it up. I had some 6010 and 7018 rods laying around so just for fun and practice I ran 6010 on the stress points and some 7018 to cap them and for non stress points. I recommend using both for different parts.

If there's a gap, or rust, 6010, if there's a good fit, clean metal, 7018....

Best rod for any metal gap, tight, rust, or clean you can weld it with a 6013 That rhymed.

mcoe wrote:Best rod for any metal gap, tight, rust, or clean you can weld it with a 6013 That rhymed.

You don't give up.....get a life.

I have a life, that is welding/teaching welding and annoying others. When I can do both at the same time then it is a happy life. I will call a cease fire on the 6013 jokes

Id just use the 6010 to tack or stitch it together and weld it with good ol 7018. 7018 does better over time in the elements. But for a rack to just hold firewood u could use just about anything a good weld is a good weld for something like that