Filter Rods
SMAW Electrode Reference
| Rod | Tensile (PSI) | Position | Coating | Polarity | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E6010 | 62,000 | All (FVOH) | Cellulosic | DC- (straight) | Penetration, root pass, cast iron repair, field work |
| E6011 | 62,000 | All (FVOH) | Cellulosic | AC & DC- | Versatile, field work, AC power available, root pass |
| E6013 | 62,000 | Flat & Horizontal | Rutile | AC & DC+ | Beginner-friendly, easy arc, general structural, mild penetration |
| E7014 | 70,000 | Flat & Horizontal | Rutile (iron powder) | AC & DC+ | Higher deposition rate, structural, shipbuilding, fast travel |
| E7018 | 70,000 | All (FVOH) | Low-hydrogen (basic) | DC+ (reverse) | Thick plate, critical welds, lower hydrogen cracking, structural steel |
| E7024 | 70,000 | Flat Only | Iron powder | AC & DC+ | Flat position only, high deposition, mild penetration, fast travel |
| E308L-16 | 74,000 | All (FVOH) | Rutile (stainless) | AC & DC+ | Stainless steel (300 series), food equipment, tanks, corrosion resistance |
| E309L-16 | 74,000 | All (FVOH) | Rutile (stainless) | AC & DC+ | Dissimilar metal joining, stainless-to-mild steel, high-temp applications |
Position Legend: F = Flat, V = Vertical, O = Overhead, H = Horizontal. Position capability determines which orientations the rod can be welded in successfully.
Breaking Down Electrode Codes
What Those Letters and Numbers Actually Mean
Every stick rod is marked with a code like E6010 or E7018. It's not random. The AWS (American Welding Society) came up with this system so you'd know exactly what you're buying without guessing.
Here's the breakdown:
- E: Just means "electrode." Every stick rod starts with E.
- First two digits (XX): Tensile strength. E60 = 60,000 PSI. E70 = 70,000 PSI. That's the strength of the weld metal it lays down.
- Third digit (Y): Position capability. Tells you if it works in all positions or just flat.
- Fourth digit (Y): Coating type. This controls arc behavior, spatter, and what polarity you need.
Example: E7018 breaks down as 70,000 PSI strength, all-position capable, low-hydrogen basic coating. Not rocket science once you know the pattern.
Strength Ratings and When They Matter
The first two digits tell you how strong the weld is. E6010 deposits 62,000 PSI metal. E7018 deposits 70,000 PSI. That extra strength matters on thick plate and critical joints.
Here's the practical reality: For 1/2" plate and above, E7018 is your rod. For thin sheet and general fabrication, E6013 works fine. E7018 is harder to strike and requires more technique, but you get a better weld. Don't overthink it — most structural work uses E7018. Beginners should start with E6013, then move to E7018 once they understand arc control.
Position: Where You Can Actually Use the Rod
Some rods work in every position. Others are flat-only. The third digit tells you which:
- F: Flat (horizontal metal on a table)
- H: Horizontal (vertical wall, bead running sideways)
- V: Vertical (up or down a wall)
- O: Overhead (above your head)
E7018 works anywhere (FVOH). E7024 is flat-only — use it there and it's fast, but try it vertical and you'll get a puddle running down your plate. Check the position before buying. Using the wrong rod in the wrong spot = weak, ugly welds.
The Coating Makes the Difference
The fourth digit is all about what's covering the wire inside. Different coatings burn differently, shield differently, and need different polarity:
- Cellulosic (0-1): Bums hot, creates its own shielding gas, punches deep. Great for root passes and all-position work. More spatter. E6010 needs DC- straight polarity.
- Rutile (2-3): Easy arc, forgiving, less spatter. E6013 is the beginner's best friend. Works with AC or DC+ reverse. Fast travel. Limited to flat/horizontal though.
- Low-Hydrogen (8): E7018 is the king here. Keeps hydrogen out of thick plate welds, preventing cracks that show up months later. Needs DC+ and requires rod ovens. Slower but stronger.
- Iron Powder (4): Extra iron in the coating means faster deposition. E7024 rips through flat welds. Not all-position, though.
Pick the Right Rod for Your Job
Root passes on structural steel? E6010 or E6011. You need penetration, and these deliver it. E6013 if you're learning. Easy arc, doesn't bite, works on AC or DC+. Good for thin material. Not much strength though.
General structural work? E7014 or E7024 if you're laying beads flat. Fast. High deposition. E7018 is the workhorse — all positions, strong, industry standard. Yes, it needs oven storage and DC+ polarity. But that's what shops use for a reason. It works.
Polarity Matters More Than You Think
DC+ (reverse) digs deeper and handles thick plate better. DC- (straight) is lighter, faster, less aggressive. AC splits the difference but can be unstable. Match your rod to your machine. E7018 demands DC+. E6013 works with AC or DC+. E6010 needs DC-. Mismatch = bad arc.
Store Low-Hydrogen Rods Right or Regret It
7018 soaks up moisture from the air. Leave a box open overnight and the flux absorbs humidity — now your welds have hydrogen in them, and you'll get cracks in thick plate under stress. Rod ovens exist for a reason. 250-350°F until you use them. If rods get wet, dry them in an oven before striking arc. Cellulosic and rutile rods don't care about moisture. That's one less thing to worry about.
Cellulosic vs Rutile vs Basic: Quick Rundown
Cellulosic burns hot, cleans its own way, penetrates hard. Root passes, all positions, field work. More spatter, more cleanup. Rutile is smooth and easy — beginner-friendly, less spatter, but you're limited to flat and horizontal. Basic (7018) is the pro choice: clean, strong, no hydrogen issues, but requires storage and technique. Pick based on your job and skill level.
Frequently Asked Questions
E7018 is: E = electrode, 70 = 70,000 PSI strength, 1 = all positions, 8 = low-hydrogen coating. It's the standard for structural and critical welding because it works in any position and won't crack on thick plate. Most structural shops buy E7018 by the box.
E6013. Smooth arc, forgiving, works with AC or DC+. Limited to flat and horizontal, but that's fine while learning. Once you're comfortable with E6013, jump to E7018 and tackle all positions.
E6013 is easier and covers flat/horizontal only. E7018 is stronger, works everywhere, but needs DC+ and rod storage. E7018 for structural work, E6013 for learning or thin sheet.
E6010 and E6013 stay at room temperature. E7018 goes in a rod oven (250-350°F) because it absorbs moisture and then deposits hydrogen. Moisture = hydrogen = cracks. If rods get wet, dry them before using. Keep them in original containers.
E6010 or E6011. Cast iron cracks if you heat it too fast or cool it too hard. Use low amps, short beads, let it cool slow. E6010 penetrates deep and works in any position. Some guys use nickel rods (ENiFe-CI) which match cast iron composition better, but E6010 works.
