Hot take: I actually prefer 7018 rods over 6010 for most field work now

I know everyone says 6010 is the go to for dirty rusty pipe and that's what I used for years. But about 4 months ago on a job in Gary Indiana I got stuck with a whole box of 7018 and had to make it work on some real beat up steel. I tried running it a little hotter than usual around 130 amps and it actually tied in better than I expected. The slag came off cleaner and I didn't have to grind near as much. Now I grab 7018 first unless I'm dealing with thick scale or really heavy rust. Has anyone else tried this or am I just getting lucky with my prep work?

3 comments

3 Comments

lilyt2323h ago

Did you run any beads on that beam first to test your settings, or just go straight into the actual welds?

sullivan.quinn1d ago

Ngl, I've been creeping that direction myself. Ran 7018 on some rusty beam repair last month and was surprised how well it laid down compared to fighting with 6010. Slag pops right off too.

the_robin23h ago

Right there with you man, switching to 7018 on anything rusty is a game changer. That slag just falling off makes cleanup so much less of a headache.