Electrode suggestions

[sacc51]

I have a couple of packets of 2mm Weldskill GP rods which I bought recently, they are absolute rubbish, so bad in fact I’ve reverted to using some $12 Chinese rods I bought years ago. I’d like Ferrocrafts but at nearly $50 a packet I think it bordering on the ridiculous. I have a couple of packets of Lincoln 2.5s which I bought for $19 a packet from gasweld, absolutely beautiful to weld with, just a tad too big for the intended job and unfortunately they aren’t available in the 2mm size. Any suggestions for a 2mm all position rod that strikes easy?

[Michael G]

I use these in the 2.5 and they work alright -
http://www.welding.com.au/filler-metals/view/austarc12p

Michael

[sacc51]

Too big, I'm after 2s or smaller. the parts I'm welding are not much bigger than the 2.5s rod diameter.

[Michael G]

According to that link, they do those electrodes in a 2mm size.

[Legion]

Geminis are dirt cheap but you might have to search to find them. Last time I bought some boxes they were either $7 or $11, I don't remember. They do 2.0mm and are usually stocked. 6012 and 6013.

You should be able to weld ~2mm material with ~2.5mm rods. Grahame on here once suggested it, when I was playing with 1.6mm rods. The lightbulb was that the extra material deposited by the bigger rod acts as a bigger heatsink helping prevent holes. 1.6mm rods everything's gotta be spot on.

Where are you? I've got heaps of rods including plenty unopened and I never stick weld any more.

[Grahame Collins]

Bob the welder has Gemini 2mm electrodes. $27 a pkt

http://www.bobthewelder.com.au/searc...=search&page=1

If you only need a couple , I can mail you some rods.

[sacc51]

Blowing holes isn't an issue, I simply don't have enough material length to weld so I can only spot. 2.5s are quite close to the material length and I usually overspot with the 2.5s. I think the 2mm Chinese rods I have are Geminis, whatever they are they are a bugger to strike anyway. Might look around for some Austarcs locally i think. Thanks anyway gents I shall perservere!

[Legion]

Keep a scrap file handy and/or clamp a scrap strike plate next to the work. Knock the old flux off on the file and/or strike on the scrap and then move to the work while the rod is hot or when there's no flux. Every restart is like striking a fresh new rod.

[jhovel]

You might like to try 1.6mm ones. I got my lat lot from WA on eBay. The other option is 2mm stainless rods. The run a lot cooler and I like using them for that reason on thin material and for good spotwelds. They are also easy to stike without sticking at lowish amps.