Selecting the right filler metal - Part 2 SMAW AWS E6010

The last time, we looked at the E6011. This time we'll look at it's big brother the E6010. Granted, the 6010 is a difficult rod to use, and not for the average user to take on in the beginning. It has a cellulosic flux, and very hard driving arc that offers exceptional penetration. Like the 6011, it too has a 60,000 lb tensile strength rating. But for Pipeline, Construction, and large fab shop it is the primary rod used for stick welding in root pass situations. Its ability to penetrate and the quickly “freeze” quickly makes it great for open root welds. The weld isn’t the prettiest. The hard edge left to the ripples and the difficult to remove flux makes it less than fun to weld with for most people. But no one can deny that the rod is King when it comes to X ray and code work. It’s available in several configurations that add one property or another. You’ll see designations such as 5P or 5P+, each identifying the individual special properties for the rod. Though to the average user, there won’t be much difference in casual use. It is similar as we mentioned, to the E6011. But, it just won’t weld worth two cents on a cheap buzz box welder. It requires higher voltage and a more stable DC current output to keep the arc going. This factor alone, takes the rod out of the hands of many users…Even many smaller portable repair guys shy away from it because it’s nature to be a little eccentric in its taste for welding machines. Yes, mastering the 6010 is a valuable welding skill, but for most people the 6011 happily and easily eliminates the need for it. But if your future is in pipeline or heavy industrial 6010 will definitely be a rod worth your time and effort.