E6010 vs E6013: Deep Penetration Rod vs Smooth All-Purpose Rod
E6010 is a deep-penetrating pipe rod for dirty metal on DC only. E6013 is a smooth, easy-running general-purpose rod that works on AC or DC. They serve completely different purposes.
E6010: Pipe root passes. E6013: General shop work on clean steel.
Which One Should You Use?
Pick E6010 if:
Pipe root passes. Welding on rusty or painted steel. Field work where metal prep is not possible. You have a DC welder and the skill to control an aggressive arc.
Runs on DCEP, 40-320A range. E6010 full amperage chart
Pick E6013 if:
General shop work on clean steel. You have an AC welder. Thin material where burn-through is a risk. You want clean, smooth beads. You are learning to weld.
Runs on AC, DCEP, DCEN, 40-300A range. E6013 full amperage chart
Key Differences
| Attribute | E6010 | E6013 |
|---|---|---|
| Difference 1 | E6010 has aggressive deep penetration with a digging arc | E6013 has shallow penetration with a smooth, quiet arc |
| Difference 2 | E6010 runs DC only | E6013 runs AC/DCEP/DCEN |
| Difference 3 | E6010 demands skill to control | E6013 is beginner-friendly |
| Difference 4 | E6010 tolerates dirty metal | E6013 needs reasonably clean joints |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | E6010 | E6013 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | DCEP | AC, DCEP, DCEN |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, vertical-down, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| Penetration | deep | light |
| Coating | high cellulose sodium | high titania potassium |
| Amps at 3/32" | 40-80A | 40-90A |
| Amps at 1/8" | 75-130A | 70-120A |
| Amps at 5/32" | 100-180A | 105-180A |
How E6010 and E6013 Work Together
These are not interchangeable. An E6010 burns through metal that an E6013 would skip across the surface of. Conversely, an E6013 handles thin sheet that an E6010 would blow holes in.
Common Mistake With E6010
Trying to run E6010 on an AC welder. It will not strike an arc. If you only have AC, you need E6011 (the AC version of E6010) or E6013.
Practical Differences
| Factor | E6010 | E6013 |
|---|---|---|
| Fume Level | High (0.8-1.5 g/min) | Medium (0.4-0.7 g/min) |
| Common Brands | Fleetweld 5P+, Hobart 610 | Fleetweld 37, Hobart 413 |
Where to Buy
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E6010 vs E6013: Common Questions
Which is better, E6010 or E6013?
Different rods for different jobs. Key differences: Difference 1: E6010 has e6010 has aggressive deep penetration with a digging arc, while E6013 has e6013 has shallow penetration with a smooth, quiet arc. Difference 2: E6010 has e6010 runs dc only, while E6013 has e6013 runs ac/dcep/dcen. Difference 3: E6010 has e6010 demands skill to control, while E6013 has e6013 is beginner-friendly. Match the rod to the work, not the other way around.
Can I substitute E6010 for E6013?
Not a straight swap. E6010 runs on DCEP, E6013 on AC/DCEP/DCEN. Your machine decides. Penetration differs: E6010 is deep, E6013 is light. Coating chemistry is different (high cellulose sodium vs high titania potassium), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both E6010 and E6013 on the same joint?
These are not interchangeable. An E6010 burns through metal that an E6013 would skip across the surface of. Conversely, an E6013 handles thin sheet that an E6010 would blow holes in.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1.