aametalmaster Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 If it isn't stainless or cast its 7018 for me or 70S6 in my mig...Bob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skunkriv Posted December 6, 2007 Share Posted December 6, 2007 Have a friend that used to mirror weld in pipe tunnels while all but standing on his head. Have the highest regard for anyone that can do that. I need both hands on the stinger or else something to lean on :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_sandy_creek_forge Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Mostly 6011 or 6013. I don't really worry about welding upside down or inside out much. Most things I just flip the workpiece, turn the workpiece, or otherwise manhandle the workpiece into a comfortable position. Anything to big to manhandle, I say "Hey dad! Ya wanna weld this up quick?" (it pays having the shop out at the farm and having a dad that's passed his weldor's certs!) -Aaron @ the SCF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbillysmith Posted December 7, 2007 Author Share Posted December 7, 2007 What do you mean "mirror" welding? Having a smooth bead as the cap pass? And you said about getting $30 per hour for pipe welding, I personally know a guy that had to turn down a $53 per hour job cause of his broken leg. Yes, I will agree $30 is high, but you can go much higher! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evfreek Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Hi Hillbillysmith. Your name makes me think of reading Foxfire 5 (fond memories). It's great that you are taking a welding class. I wish they offered that around here. The only courses they have around here have something like 1 hour of instruction and 2 minutes of practice. And, they don't tell you what all the rods are. This is probably because people think of welding as a low pay job and the votech's and community colleges do not offer it. As for an answer to the why not use a higher tensile strength rod, my answer is that it is too expensive for something I don't really need. If I am welding together a bottom tool out of mild steel, a fancy 10018 rod is not what I need. The joint does not need the strength, and in addition, these rods are hard to restrike, especially on AC. Now, if I was welding the functional part on tool steel, the higher strength rod does make a difference. It is easy to see the boost in performance between 7018 and 10018 in use, and even the additional boost going to the correct tool steel rod (like Compax Supreme, or something like that). Aside from this, my main criteria for rod is cheap . Ebay and garage sales can be good. But don't use hi-nickel for high strength applications, or aluminum rod to weld cast iron. Once I bought a large amount of Exergon Tuff-Stuff (10018 basic flux equivalent). I use this to weld almost anything, including mild steel, since it was much less per pound than 6011 or 6013, or 7018 for that matter. I am not into paying $$$ per pound for fancy rod at the welding store. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skunkriv Posted December 7, 2007 Share Posted December 7, 2007 Mirror welding is welding on the far side of something where it is impossible to see....unless you are looking in a mirror. Hold the mirror in one hand and the stinger in the other, sometimes one arm over the pipe and one under. Nothing to it :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hillbillysmith Posted December 8, 2007 Author Share Posted December 8, 2007 Oh! Ok. I know what you guys mean. You're referring to an open butt joint. Gotcha!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rentaratchet Posted September 23, 2009 Share Posted September 23, 2009 OK so this thread ended two years ago, but I'm going to add my .02 anyway. I started playing with a welder twenty years ago, and that's what I do today, play. Obviously wirefeed is easier know-nothings like me, but when I use a stick, I mostly use 7018. Nothing to do with material, ( I only join mild steel) price, penetration, or deposition. My hand is not steady and my eyes aren't great, so I get better results with a drag rod, so I don't hold a gap, and I can feel as much as see what I'm doing. That's a real backyard welder for you!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KYBOY Posted September 30, 2009 Share Posted September 30, 2009 Mirror welding is welding on the far side of something where it is impossible to see....unless you are looking in a mirror. Hold the mirror in one hand and the stinger in the other, sometimes one arm over the pipe and one under. Nothing to it I got my biggest welding scar doing that:D I was welding a release valve in a 12" water main about 20' in the air..The lift I was on shifted and the rod (which was bent 90* so I could reach the back of the valve) went down under my hemit and seared a scar right along my hair line I looked like frankenstein for a couple weeks.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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