Best welding rod for beginners: what your welder can run
What will my welder run?
"Fits" means the welder reaches at least the bottom of Hobart's range. "Full range" means it also reaches Hobart's optimum setting. Check your welder's duty cycle at that amperage too: duty cycle calculator.
Hobart amperage ranges for the three common beginner rods
| Rod | AWS class | Diameter | Current | Min A | Max A | Optimum A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hobart 335A | E6011 | 3/32 in. | AC or DCEP | 60 | 90 | 60 |
| Hobart 335A | E6011 | 1/8 in. | AC or DCEP | 80 | 125 | 100 |
| Hobart 335A | E6011 | 5/32 in. | AC or DCEP | 130 | 160 | 140 |
| Hobart 335A | E6011 | 3/16 in. | AC or DCEP | 160 | 190 | 180 |
| Hobart 418 | E7018 H4R / E7018-1 H4R | 3/32 in. | DCEP or AC | 75 | 100 | 90 |
| Hobart 418 | E7018 H4R / E7018-1 H4R | 1/8 in. | DCEP or AC | 90 | 150 | 130 |
| Hobart 418 | E7018 H4R / E7018-1 H4R | 5/32 in. | DCEP or AC | 110 | 230 | 170 |
| Hobart 418 | E7018 H4R / E7018-1 H4R | 3/16 in. | DCEP or AC | 150 | 300 | 220 |
| Hobart 418 | E7018 H4R / E7018-1 H4R | 1/4 in. | DCEP or AC | 270 | 380 | 340 |
| Hobart 447A | E6013 | 3/32 in. | AC, DCEN or DCEP | 40 | 80 | 70 |
| Hobart 447A | E6013 | 1/8 in. | AC, DCEN or DCEP | 70 | 120 | 100 |
| Hobart 447A | E6013 | 5/32 in. | AC, DCEN or DCEP | 130 | 160 | 150 |
All rows from Hobart Brothers data sheets (linked in each row). Full rod-by-rod data: stick electrode amperage data. Hobart notes reducing amperage about 15% out of position.
How to read this as a beginner
This page doesn't pick a "best" rod for you. It shows what Hobart publishes for each rod so you can match it to the welder you have. E6013 and E6011 run on AC or DC, so they work on AC-only buzz-box machines. E7018 is listed for DCEP or AC; check that your machine and the specific rod agree before buying a box.
If your welder tops out below a rod's minimum, that rod size is out of reach. Drop to a smaller diameter.
Related
- Stick welding amperage chart
- How to choose a stick welder
- Best beginner welder
- How to get into welding
Welding up or down a joint? See the best welding rod for vertical down.