Practice Rods

[mongobird]

For one wanting to learn how to do basic stick welds, and figuring they will be using 7018 in the end. Can they start with 7018, and just buy one rod, or should they start with 6011 or 6013?

[ryanjones2150]

6013 is a super easy to start on rod, plus you won't have to keep it in a rod oven.

[Sberry]

Depends on the motive. 13 is widely used by the hometime crowd but rarely in the real welding world. 10 and 11 operate the same so, in the end you need to learn to run 6010 and 7018 and they have 2 different techniques. If you can do this you can learn any of the rest easily and guys that can do this are valuable and there is no faking it.
You can learn 1 at a time, it may be easier.

[MMW]

Sberry has it right. No need for a rod oven for 7018 unless you are doing code work. Either take a course or find a good welder who can show you technique, etc.vs. just practicing on your own. You will be light years ahead that way.

[mongobird]

My question reworded is: would it be OK to just practice with 7018, even though the technique is different than 6011?

Or is learning 6011 important before one welds with 7018?

[aametalmaster]

My question reworded is: would it be OK to just practice with 7018, even though the technique is different than 6011?

Or is learning 6011 important before one welds with 7018?

Yup practice with 7018 is great. I worked in a few shops where some guys couldn't pass a welding test because they never ran 7018. Just my thoughts...Bob

[mongobird]

Bob, thanks for answering the question. They will buy 10# of 7018 and start working on laying pads. I gave him a plastic rod can, with an o-ring on it to keep the rod he is saving dry.