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.
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 |
Use E6010 when:
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.
Use E6013 when:
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.
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.
Where to Buy
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