Thread: GP arc mild steel welding rods for teaching

G'day, I'm after recommendations for good quality GP welding rods for teaching arc welding of mild steel. So quality at a reasonable price. Welding samples not bridges and at school budget, thanks.

I rather like the WIA 12P electrodes that I use (or is that P12). From memory I think they are good for most positions.

Michael

Kobelco RB26 are a top class rod and not expensive.

Yep, when I used to stick weld more I loved the Kobes. Also Gemini 12 or 13, I was getting 5kg boxes for dirt cheap at some shops.

AC or DC machines?

Get some 10's or 11's for the recalcitrant students. stick, stick, stick, stick, stick.

I have some Geminis and they are quite good but I find the easiest to use the Lincolns. Total Tools have them on special quite often for $19 a pack. Personally I'd use lousy rods to teach, if your students learn to use lousy rods to good purpose, imagine what they'll be able to do with good rods. Cheap Chinese rods are around $8 - $12.

Originally Posted by sacc51

Personally I'd use lousy rods to teach, if your students learn to use lousy rods to good purpose, imagine what they'll be able to do with good rods.

I'd be more inclined to take the opposite approach and provide them with the best chance to lay good beads and with the least amount of obstacles in the way. They need experience before they start dealing with problem rods and problem fit-ups otherwise it's hard to tell whether any problems that ensue are operator related or material related. There's a reason students generally start out with simple 1G & 1F welds - to make it easier to learn, you wouldn't start them on a 6G weld - for me the same holds for the resources you supply them with during the initial phase. Just my opinion, others may disagree.

I've found with arc welding the kids can get really frustrated, so the better the rod, the better chance of success so they will stick at it. The stock held at the school I'm at from this year are Murex and I'm having trouble welding with them myself. Unfortunately the school must have thought they got a good buy on them, there are heaps to go. I'll probably get a small supply of each of Kobelco RB26, WIA 12P and Gemini 12 or 13 for sample welds and to give the kids for their presentation pieces after they have got the general hang striking an arc and overcoming fear.

I have been using some MechPro 3.2mm rods, which from memory were obtained from Repco, they are made in India, code number for a 5kg pack is MPWE3250

93119986642372 is the bar code number.

I think they are very similar to 6013, if in fact they are not the same, although I couldn't get any info on the box about them. I am on my second 5Kg box of them and found they are very easy to use. I picked mine up when there was a special on for $19.99 a box about the start of last year.

Mick.

Originally Posted by Paul M D

I've found with arc welding the kids can get really frustrated, so the better the rod, the better chance of success so they will stick at it. The stock held at the school I'm at from this year are Murex and I'm having trouble welding with them myself. Unfortunately the school must have thought they got a good buy on them, there are heaps to go. I'll probably get a small supply of each of Kobelco RB26, WIA 12P and Gemini 12 or 13 for sample welds and to give the kids for their presentation pieces after they have got the general hang striking an arc and overcoming fear.

Are they Murex Speedex 12 electrodes by any chance?
If so, then I am surprised that you are having difficulties as they would be one of my favourite mild steel electrodes.
What problems are you having and what machine are you running them off?
It would also help if you could tell us what the students are welding and what positions they work in, as electrodes do have specific attributes that govern their suitability for a given task.
I am glad you are teaching the students stick welding as many schools take the supposed easy option and just hand them a mig gun.