MIG Wire vs Easy Stick Rod for Beginners
ER70S-6 solid MIG wire vs E6013 easy-run stick rod. Two most common beginner starting points compared.
Key Differences
| Attribute | ER70S-6 | E6013 |
|---|---|---|
| Process | MIG - continuous wire feed with gas | Stick - manual rod consumption |
| Learning Curve | Easier - automatic wire feed | Moderate - must control arc length |
| Equipment Cost | Higher - welder + gas tank | Lower - basic stick welder |
| Outdoor Use | Limited - wind affects gas shield | Good - no gas needed |
| Thin Metal | Excellent - fine control | Moderate - harder to avoid burn-through |
| Cleanup | Minimal - no slag | Light slag removal needed |
| Portability | Less - gas tank, wire feeder | More - just welder and rods |
| Speed | Faster - continuous wire | Slower - frequent rod changes |
Use ER70S-6 when:
Use E6013 when:
How ER70S-6 and E6013 Work Together
MIG with ER70S-6 is generally easier for beginners because the wire feeds automatically and the arc is smooth. E6013 stick is the easiest stick rod to learn but still requires manual rod feeding and arc length control. MIG excels on thinner material and for longer continuous beads. E6013 stick is better when you need portability, cannot set up gas, or need to work outdoors. Many welding instructors recommend starting with stick to build fundamentals, then moving to MIG for production.
Common Mistake With MIG Wire
Starting with MIG and never learning stick. MIG is easier but does not teach arc length control, manipulation, or heat management. Learning E6013 stick first builds skills that transfer to every other process.
Where to Buy
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