YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG Welding Rod ER70S-6 1/16″x16″ 5LB review for DIY welding

Description

Reliable Performance with the YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG Welding Rod ER70S-6

Testing out the YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG Welding Rod ER70S-6 (1/16″x16″ 5LB) was an experience I dove into with enthusiasm. As someone who often works with mild steel for various projects, having a reliable welding rod is critical. While this product lived up to its reputation in many ways, there were a few noteworthy points that stood out during testing. Let me walk you through the details.

Design and Build Quality

The first thing I noticed was the copper coating on the welding rods, which was both smooth and consistent. This coating ensures a cleaner weld with minimal spatter, which is a blessing for anyone tired of endless post-weld cleanup. The rods come in a manageable 16-inch length with a diameter of 1/16-inch, making them perfect for precise, smaller-scale projects.

What stood out to me in terms of design was the convenient 5-pound packaging. It’s compact enough to store easily yet offers enough material to get through multiple projects. Whether you’re working in a cramped garage or a professional shop, the size and weight are incredibly practical.

Application and Usage Scenarios

These welding rods are incredibly versatile. I tested them on mild steel plates, a few rusty truck body panels, and even some farm equipment with poor fit-up. In every scenario, they delivered solid, smooth welds, even when working on surfaces that weren’t perfectly clean.

The ability to use these rods with 100% CO2 shielding gas or argon mixtures is another major plus. I tried both options, and the argon mix resulted in an impressively smooth bead with almost zero spatter. For anyone dealing with varying gas setups, these rods adapt effortlessly.

Key Benefits

• Excellent Deoxidizers: The high levels of manganese and silicon help achieve clean welds even on less-than-perfect surfaces.
• Wide Application: From construction work to shaft buildup, these rods handle diverse tasks with ease.
• Smooth Welding Bead: The rods leave a polished, professional-looking finish.
• Minimal Cleanup: Thanks to reduced spatter, post-weld cleanup is quick and easy.

Areas for Improvement

While I was impressed overall, there are a few hurdles worth mentioning:

• Rust Sensitivity: Although the rods performed well on slightly rusty surfaces, extremely rusty metals required extra prep work.
• Packaging Consistency: The product listing mentions two types of packaging, which could confuse buyers expecting a particular box style.
• Brittleness: A few rods snapped during handling, so extra care is needed when loading them into your TIG torch.

Competing Products

When comparing these rods to others I’ve used, such as the Lincoln Electric and Hobart TIG welding rods, the YESWELDER rods hold their own. Lincoln Electric rods are known for their durability but lack the versatility in gas compatibility that these rods offer. Hobart’s TIG rods, on the other hand, are great for advanced users but come with a steeper price tag and aren’t as forgiving on rusty or oily surfaces.

The YESWELDER rods strike a solid balance between performance and price, making them ideal for both hobbyists and professionals. While they may not have the same brand prestige, they deliver quality welds that rival more expensive competitors.

Quality for Price

Considering the performance and versatility, these rods offer exceptional value for their price point. They’re neither the cheapest nor the most expensive option out there, but they certainly deliver more than what you’d expect from a mid-range product. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a seasoned welder, the YESWELDER rods prove to be a smart investment for a variety of projects.

In summary, the YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG Welding Rod ER70S-6 (1/16″x16″ 5LB) is a reliable, versatile option for anyone working with mild steel. While it has room for improvement in durability and packaging, its smooth welding performance and minimal cleanup requirements make it a standout choice. It’s a product I’d gladly recommend to friends and coworkers in the trade.

Additional information