Filler rod for Mild Steel

[Maliboost]

Hey folks,

I just bought a Maxstar 200 to puts around in the Garage & need to get some some filler rod for it.

Im going to be doing mild steel stuff. I did a search & came up with ER70S-6, does that does that sound right?? i also found -2, but cant figure out what the difference is between -2 & -6.

thanks
bob

[Dmaxer1]

ER70S-6 typically contains more Mn, Si and C deoxidizers than -2. ER70S-2 contains a bit of Ti, Zr and Al for additional deoxidation, whereas the -6 has none. In my experience both work well but note that the Al in the -2 makes the puddle a little stickier, i.e. it doesn't flow out as easily as the -6 and it freezes a little quicker. The LWS I shop at sells just the -2 in prepackaged tubes unless another type is specially ordered. However a local auto supply that also sells welding supplies carries only the -6 and sells it by the pound in bulk form. I've been buying the -6 from them because it is much less expensive that way.

[enlpck]

For most hobby welders, it won't matter whether you use -2, -3, or -6.

The main differences in practice are that -2 is more ductile and -6 is more tolerant of small amounts of contamination.

[B_C]

ER70S-6 typically contains more Mn, Si and C deoxidizers than -2. ER70S-2 contains a bit of Ti, Zr and Al for additional deoxidation, whereas the -6 has none. In my experience both work well but note that the Al in the -2 makes the puddle a little stickier, i.e. it doesn't flow out as easily as the -6 and it freezes a little quicker. The LWS I shop at sells just the -2 in prepackaged tubes unless another type is specially ordered. However a local auto supply that also sells welding supplies carries only the -6 and sells it by the pound in bulk form. I've been buying the -6 from them because it is much less expensive that way.

These were welded with -2 and you can see how the puddle tends to freeze
as mentioned by Dmaxer ....

[Maliboost]

Right on guys. thanks mucho.

Bob