E6011 Welding Rod: Amperage Chart & AC/DC Settings
The AC version of 6010. Runs 40 to 320 amps on AC or DCEP, rated for flat, horizontal, vertical up, vertical down, overhead. Amperage chart by diameter below.
E6011 does the same job as E6010, deep penetration, fast freeze, works on dirty steel, but it also runs on AC. If you only have an old buzz box or a transformer welder without DC output, this is your go-to rod for repairs, maintenance, and field work. It is slightly less aggressive than E6010 on DC but handles the same applications.
What This Means in Practice
E6011 exists because not every job site has a DC welder. If you need E6010-style penetration but only have an AC buzz box or a generator-powered machine, E6011 is the answer. The welds are comparable. The arc feels slightly different. Most field welders carry both.
What Amps for E6011?
| Diameter | Amperage Range |
|---|---|
| 3/32" (2.4 mm) | 40 - 85A |
| 1/8" (3.2 mm) | 75 - 130A |
| 5/32" (4 mm) | 100 - 180A |
| 3/16" (4.8 mm) | 140 - 225A |
| 7/32" (5.6 mm) | 170 - 265A |
| 1/4" (6.4 mm) | 210 - 320A |
Amperage by Individual Diameter
3/32 E6011 Amperage
Set 3/32 E6011 to 40 - 85 amps. Run AC or DCEP. This is the smallest available size. Best for vertical-up and overhead where you need a small, controllable puddle. Start around 63A.
1/8 E6011 Amperage
Set 1/8 E6011 to 75 - 130 amps. Run AC or DCEP. This is the most commonly used E6011 size. Start at 103A for flat work, drop to 75-93A for vertical-up.
5/32 E6011 Amperage
Set 5/32 E6011 to 100 - 180 amps. Run AC or DCEP. Works well out of position. 100-140A for vertical and overhead, up to 180A flat.
3/16 E6011 Amperage
Set 3/16 E6011 to 140 - 225 amps. Run AC or DCEP. High fill rate in flat position. Drop 10-15A if you see undercut at the toes.
7/32 E6011 Amperage
Set 7/32 E6011 to 170 - 265 amps. Run AC or DCEP. Production size for flat work. If spatter increases above 239A, check your arc length.
1/4 E6011 Amperage
Set 1/4 E6011 to 210 - 320 amps. Run AC or DCEP. Largest diameter. Maximum penetration and deposition in flat and horizontal position. This size requires a machine that can deliver 320A sustained.
E6011 Suitability Scores
How well this electrode matches common applications. Not a quality rating. all AWS-certified electrodes meet their specification.
What Is E6011 Good For?
Same jobs as E6010 when you only have an AC welder.
Maintenance and repair work in the field.
Welding on rusty, dirty, or painted steel that cannot be properly cleaned.
Root passes on pipe when DC is not available.
A good all-around rod for farm, ranch, and general repair.
Where E6011 Falls Short
Slightly softer arc than E6010 when both are run on DC.
More spatter than E6010.
Same rough bead appearance.
Not low-hydrogen, do not use where codes require H4 or H8 class rods.
Less penetration than E6010 on DC.
E6011 Under the Hood
What You Hear and See
Slightly softer than E6010 on DC, with a wider spray pattern. On AC, the arc restarts each half-cycle with a brief flicker you can feel in your hand. Still aggressive, still loud.
Running It
Whip and pause works, same as E6010. On AC, slow your whip rhythm slightly because the puddle cools during each AC zero-crossing. Drag technique works for flat fillets where you want deeper wash.
Puddle and Slag
Fast-freeze puddle similar to E6010 but with a slightly thicker slag skin on AC. The slag is still thin enough that you can see the puddle through it. Chips off in small flakes.
If You Are Struggling
If your AC arc keeps going out, shorten your arc length. E6011 on AC needs a tighter gap than on DC. If you hear a rhythmic buzzing instead of a steady crackle, you are too far from the work.
Which Size E6011 to Use
| Rod Diameter | Material Thickness | Application |
|---|---|---|
| 3/32" | 1/16" to 1/8" | Thin material tacks and small repairs |
| 1/8" | 1/8" to 3/8" | All-purpose field repair size |
| 5/32" | 3/8" and up | Root passes on heavier plate and pipe |
What the Spec Sheet Leaves Out
E6011 is the rod you throw in the truck when you do not know what you will find at the job site. AC buzz box on a farm? Works. DC inverter on a construction site? Works. Rusty fence post? Burns right through it. The welds are not pretty. Nobody cares. The E6011 welder is the one who gets called at 6 AM because something broke and production is stopped. Keep 10 pounds of 1/8 inch on hand at all times.
Bottom Line
E6011 earns its keep on repair jobs. It has no business on sheet applications. The closest alternative is E6010.
Setup & Safety Reference
How to Store E6011
Store at room temperature in dry area. Do NOT bake. Same cellulose moisture requirements as E6010.
Preheat & Interpass Temperature for E6011
Preheat varies by base metal thickness. Non-low-hydrogen electrodes require higher preheat on thick material.
| Base Metal Thickness | Minimum Preheat (°F) |
|---|---|
| up to 3/4" | Not required |
| 3/4" to 1-1/2" | 150°F |
| 1-1/2" to 2-1/2" | 225°F |
| over 2-1/2" | 300°F |
Maximum interpass temperature: 600°F
Source: AWS D1.1 Table 3.2, Category A (non-low-hydrogen)
Fume Generation
Rating: High
Typical fume rate: 0.8-1.5 g/min
Same cellulose fume profile as E6010.
Common Brand Names for E6011
4 manufacturers sell an E6011 product. Lincoln Electric Fleetweld 35LS is the one most shops stock.
| Manufacturer | Product Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Electric | Fleetweld 35LS | |
| Hobart | Hobart 335A | |
| ESAB | Sureweld 6011 | |
| Forney | E6011 |
Full Specs
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| AWS Classification | E6011 |
| Process | Stick Welding (SMAW) |
| Polarity | AC, DCEP |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical up, vertical down, overhead |
| Penetration | deep |
| Coating Type | high cellulose potassium |
| Tensile Strength | 60,000 psi |
| Yield Strength | 48,000 psi |
| Elongation | 22% |
| Impact Toughness | 20 ft-lbs at -20°F |
| Base Metals | carbon steel, low-carbon steel, galvanized steel |
| Shielding Gas | Flux-shielded (no external gas) |
| Max Interpass Temp | 600°F |
| AWS Specification | AWS A5.1/A5.1M:2012 |
Questions About E6011
What is the best all-around welding rod for a farm?
E6011, hands down. It runs on any AC or DC machine, so it works with the old buzz boxes and inverters found in most farm shops. It burns through rust, paint, and dirty steel without extensive prep. It welds in all positions. And at 60,000 psi tensile strength, it is strong enough for equipment repairs, fence posts, gate hinges, and implement brackets. Keep a few pounds of 1/8 inch E6011 in a dry container and you can fix almost anything. If you have a DC machine, E6010 specifications gives deeper penetration on heavy dirty steel. For critical or load-bearing repairs, E7018 specifications is stronger, but it requires dry rod storage.
Can I use E6011 instead of E6010?
Yes, for most applications. E6011 was designed as the AC-capable version of E6010, and it produces similar welds. On DC, E6010 has a slightly hotter, more focused arc, so experienced pipe welders prefer it for root passes. But for general repairs, maintenance, and field work, E6011 is a direct substitute and the more versatile rod because it runs on any power source. See also: E6010 vs E6011 full comparison.
What rod for welding on a farm with an AC welder?
E6011 for rusty or dirty steel, E6013 for clean thin metal, and E7014 for heavier flat fillet welds. E6011 should be your primary rod, it handles the widest range of farm repair situations on AC. Keep E6013 in 3/32 inch for thin material where E6011 would burn through. If you also do clean shop work on heavier stock, E7014 is a faster option for flat welds. All three run on AC. See also: E6013 specifications, E7014 specifications.
Where to Buy E6011
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Manufacturer Data Sheets
External links to standards bodies and manufacturers. These leave GageRef.
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/A5.1M. Amperage ranges are approximate starting points. adjust based on position, fit-up, and material thickness. Always follow manufacturer recommendations and applicable codes.