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problems with slag inclusions

3.9K views 8 replies 6 participants last post by  boatwelder  
#1 ·
I had another project with 2" pipe to do and chose to use 3/32 6013s so I would be less likely to blow a hole in them. I ran them around 58 amps, wire brushed the pitted rusty pipe and got a whole mess of slag inclusions.
I did a little study online and found that I did just about every thing wrong. Should have been hotter, should have ground the rust off and moved faster. I used the brush because the steel is pitted and I was worried about removing too much material with the grinder.
Anyway, now that I have some steel down on the work, I don't mind going over it with 6011s. So, I did this with 3/32 6011s (don't remember the current) and got mixed results.
Question: Can I burn out slag inclusions in a 6013 weld with a 6011 rod? Will it get hot enough, or go deep enough to float the slag out?
 
#2 ·
"Question: Can I burn out slag inclusions in a 6013 weld with a 6011 rod? Will it get hot enough, or go deep enough to float the slag out?"

Don't bet on it.
 
#3 ·
6010, 6011 would be the only rod I would use on pipe you couldn't clean sufficiently. At least try to clean as much as you dare. If you had a wire feeder 211 wire works good on dirty steel. Use it often on galvanized steel with very little cleaning. Never on structural builds however, those need to be cleaned before welding to offer maximum strength. I only used 6013 in welding class and never really liked that rod.
 
#4 ·
Can I burn out slag inclusions in a 6013 weld with a 6011 rod? Will it get hot enough, or go deep enough to float the slag out?
I'm gonna bet "no." My educated "guess" is that slag is slag no matter what type of rod is used. So trying to clean out slag made from a 6013 rod, I'm guessing won't really be "cleaned" from 6010/6011 rod. At least I've never heard of that. In fact, what do all the experts say about slag inclusions????? Answer: Bust out the angle grinder and play "dentist," to remove the "cavity." Then try it again. :):):)

Maybe I'm wrong, but I'd grind it all out. I hate Mickey-mousing any project. :):)
 
#7 ·
boatwelder; are you talking about wire feed flux core? Your comment runs contrary to what I've always seen. Using shielding gas and even 70S-6 the steel needs to be pretty dang clean compared to using a 6011 rod.

On anything I can't get cleaned, 6011 is the rod of choice for me.
 
#9 ·
I am referencing Lincoln 211 wire flux core self shielding wire is very good for welding dirty or galvinized steel. E70s-6 will not weld to Galv steel without enormous amounts of spatter thus almoust useless the Galv is completely cleaned. The only time I used 6011 was on a rudder post repair with a mixture of stainless, steel and God knows what ever contaminants was included in prior repairs. I told my boss that inconel rod needed to be used but none at hand so he suggested 6011 because it was an aggressive rod. Surprisingly it worked. All other rods I used tog and stick including 7018 just hot cracked. Not the 6011. I digress sorry for getting of the topic of this thread. Welding over slat inclusions is just that. A void most likely an on a structural build a stress riser. Grind it out to be sure of a sound weld.