Welding rods for farm fixes

[c mcdougall]

I just got a used Everlast AC/DC stick welder to help fix things on our farm, we fix mostly metal gates and brackets. The steel is about 3/16" thick. I'm still learning and want to keep it simple. What welding rods work best for beginners and hold up outside? Thanks a lot for any advice!

 

[Bumiee]

For 3/16" farm steel, 7018 or 6011 rods are your best bet. 7018's stronger and smooth, 6011's great for rusty or dirty steel. Both are beginner-friendly and great outdoors

 

[t0mmy j]

@c mcdougall yeah, the comment above is right. you should definitely start with E6011, but as you get more practice, you might want to try E7018 rods.
they're what's called a low hydrogen rod and they create a much stronger, more durable weld.
The downside is they need a super clean surface, and they're a bit harder to work with since the slag is heavier. For structural stuff on the farm, like a tractor hitch, they're the gold standard, but for a simple gate hinge, the E6011 will do the job just fine.