Torch (Oxyacetylene welding)
The more I do this, the more I like it.
Rod
A visit to my local store and I was faced with several choices in filler rod:
- Coat hangers - no, the store did not ofer these, but I have to say something about them.
Don't use them! At least don't use them if you care at all about your welding.
Only an idiot welds with coat hangers or bailing wire.
- RG45 - this is the best choice for most uses, it is mild steel,
essentially the same material as the A36 alloy in the plate and stock most people are welding.
A36 is 36,000 psi incidently.
- RG60 - this is a higher grade of rod for torch welding.
Maybe bare metal instead of copper coated like RG45.
It is 60,000 psi (as compared to 45,000 psi for RG45).
Not as easy to machine after welding, if that is important.
Some people like it better than RG45. It "welds different".
- RG65 - never seen this yet.
- E70S-2 - this is really for TIG welding and is not a good choice for an oxyactylene
welding filler. "The ER type filler has deoxidizers for the tig and mig process.
In OA welding they are not needed and just cause more fumes, spatter and inclusions.
Some people think the TIG rod is "better controlled" and somehow sexier, but this is not true.
A recommended book to track down:
"Metals And How To Weld Them" by T. B. Jefferson
Have any comments? Questions?
Drop me a line!
Tom's Welding pages / tom@mmto.org