Welding Tips and Tricks

Hello all, as per the title of my post. was just curious. I was using some Lincoln 6011 electrodes and was having a hard time getting the arc started. finally gave up and used a Vulcan 6011 rod and it started without any issue. I know that people have their biases on brands. but do electrodes that are sold, have to meet a certain standard?

For any given electrode, it has to meet the specifications of said grade electrode. Do all brands of electrodes run the same? No, absolutely not.

The AWS has a set list of standards and tolerances for electrodes. The tolerances are enough that an Excalibur 7018 burns different than your Hobart 7018. Same weld deposit properties but some companies have additives to enhance operation like reducing sticking

thanks, I didn't know this. now I won't have to worry about buying non brand name stuff.