Welding one eighth mild steel looks simple but requires careful heat control. The metal is thin enough to burn through yet thick enough to need steady penetration. This makes choosing the right welding rod very important.
Many beginners use rods meant for thicker steel and struggle immediately. The bead becomes too hot, causing the metal to warp or melt away. That early frustration teaches how sensitive mild steel can be.
Mild steel is widely used in brackets, small frames and repair work. A rod that offers smooth arc control helps avoid overheating the metal. This creates cleaner welds with less grinding afterward.
Some rods run cooler and suit thin steel, while others offer better puddle control for vertical or overhead positions. The right rod depends on the job and skill level. Understanding these differences helps welders get consistent results.
People often weld one eighth mild steel in garages, workshops and small fabrication setups. A stable rod makes the process easier even with budget machines. This builds confidence for both new and experienced welders.
Knowing how each welding rod performs on one eighth mild steel leads to cleaner work and fewer mistakes. It helps maintain bead shape, control heat and improve overall weld strength. With the right rod, mild steel welding becomes predictable and satisfying.
Recommended Products
Detailed Best Welding Rod For 1/ 8 Mild Steel Reviews
1. DIN YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG
DIN YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG rods are designed for welding 1/8 inch mild steel. They offer excellent arc stability and smooth bead formation due to their precisely controlled composition. This results in clean, strong welds with minimal spatter, making it easy to achieve professional-looking results even for those new to TIG welding. The rods consistent quality ensures reliable performance throughout the welding process, and the resulting welds are easily machinable and ready for finishing.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
2. DIN WeldingCity 5-Lb ER70S-2 Mild
The DIN WeldingCity 5-Lb ER70S-2 mild steel welding rod is a copper-coated, all-position filler metal designed for welding 1/8 inch mild steel. This rod boasts excellent arc stability and smooth bead appearance, producing welds with minimal spatter. Its deoxidizers and silicon content contribute to strong, sound welds, making it ideal for general fabrication. Users will appreciate how easily it melts and flows, allowing for consistent penetration and effortless control, as evidenced in reviews.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
3. DIN YESWELDER E6011 1/8” 10LB
The DIN YESWELDER E6011 welding rods, 1/8 inch in diameter and packaged in a 10-pound box, are designed specifically for welding mild steel. These rods excel at producing a strong, deep-penetrating weld, especially in situations with rust or paint present. The flux coating provides a stable arc, resulting in minimal spatter and easy slag removal. Notably, this rod offers impressive performance on various types of metal, allowing for clean, visually appealing welds, making it ideal for both beginners and experienced welders.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
4. DIN WeldingCity 5-Lb Mild Steel
DIN WeldingCity 5-Lb Mild Steel welding rods are designed for general-purpose welding of mild steel. These rods, typically 1/8 inch in diameter, offer a smooth arc and produce strong, consistent welds. They are specifically formulated to create minimal spatter, making for a cleaner work environment and less post-weld cleanup.
The rods work exceptionally well on 1/8 inch mild steel, providing good penetration and excellent bead appearance. A notable advantage is the ease of use, even for less experienced welders, leading to sound results without excessive effort. This makes them a reliable choice for projects like metal furniture repair or light fabrication tasks.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
5. DIN WeldingCity 10-Lb Mild Steel
DIN WeldingCity 10-Lb Mild Steel welding rods are specifically formulated for welding on mild steel. These rods are designed to provide a smooth, stable arc, minimizing spatter and making welding much easier. The low carbon content helps create strong, clean welds. For welding 1/8 inch mild steel, these rods offer excellent penetration and easy slag removal, creating strong and visually appealing welds; perfect for beginners and experienced welders alike.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
6. DIN YESWELDER E6013 1/8” 5LB
DIN YESWELDER E6013 1/8 welding rods are specifically designed for welding 1/8 mild steel. These rods offer a smooth arc and easy slag removal, making them ideal for beginners and experienced welders alike. The 5-pound package provides ample supply for various projects. A key advantage is its ability to produce clean welds with minimal spatter, resulting in less cleanup and saving time. Specifically, it allows for strong, aesthetically pleasing welds on thinner materials with great penetration.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
7. DIN Welding Rods,E6013 3/32” 1LB,Carbon
DIN Welding Rods E6013 3/32 1LB are designed for welding carbon steel. This particular rod size and type is exceptionally well-suited for 1/8 inch mild steel projects. The E6013 rods offer a smooth arc, resulting in easy starts and minimal spatter for a cleaner weld.
The rods provide good penetration making them a solid choice for general fabrication and repair work. For hobbyists or professionals these rods are easy to control and produce strong, consistent welds.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
8. DIN YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG
DIN YESWELDER Mild Steel TIG rods are designed for welding 1/8 inch mild steel. They offer a smooth arc and produce clean welds with minimal spatter. These rods allow for easy puddle control, making it simple to create strong and neat welds, even for beginners. The low fume production is also a major advantage, creating a better welding experience.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
9. DIN Welding Rods,E6013 1/8” 1LB,Carbon
DIN Welding Rods E6013 1/8 1LB, Carbon are designed specifically for welding 1/8 mild steel, providing smooth and stable arc characteristics. These rods are known for their easy slag removal, a benefit for both beginner and experienced welders. The E6013 classification indicates a general-purpose rod, perfect for a wide range of applications like general fabrication and repair work. Notably, they produce clean, strong welds with minimal spatter, making it easy to achieve professional-looking results even on projects requiring intricate details.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
10. DIN TIG Welding Rod ER70S-6
DIN TIG Welding Rod ER70S-6 is a premium choice for welding 1/8 inch mild steel. This rod provides excellent arc stability and produces clean welds due to its high silicon and manganese content, which helps to deoxidize the molten metal. Its particularly effective for creating strong, ductile welds, easily penetrating the steel. The results are noticeably better than with cheaper rods, showing smooth bead appearance and minimal spatter.
What We Like:
• High quality and reliable performance
• Great value for the price
• Positive customer reviews and ratings
Buying Guide
Choosing the Right Welding Rod for 1/8 Mild Steel
Welding 1/8 mild steel is a common task, and selecting the proper welding rod is crucial for a strong, clean weld. Heres a quick guide to help you choose:
Key Factors
Rod Type: For mild steel, E6011 or E6013 rods are excellent choices. E6011 rods work well with both AC and DC welders, while E6013 rods offer easier slag removal and are better suited for beginners.
Diameter: 1/8 (3.2mm) diameter rods are typically appropriate for 1/8 steel. This size provides sufficient amperage capabilities and good penetration.
Welder Settings: Your welders settings are critical. Consult your machines manual, but generally start with the recommended amperage range for the rod diameter, and adjust accordingly for optimal weld appearance and penetration. Too low results in poor fusion, too high can lead to burn-through.
Proper Technique: Proper technique is important, practice on scrap material is suggested to refine settings and angle
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best welding rod type for 1/8 inch mild steel?
For 1/8 inch mild steel, E6011 and E6013 welding rods are excellent choices. These rods offer good usability and are suitable for various positions, including overhead welding. They provide a good balance of performance and ease of use for general-purpose welding projects.
What diameter welding rod should I use for 1/8 inch mild steel?
A 1/8 inch (0.125 inch) diameter welding rod is generally recommended for 1/8 inch mild steel. This size provides sufficient filler material and allows for good penetration without causing excessive heat input. This diameter is a good all-around choice for this thickness of steel.
What welding machine settings are appropriate for 1/8 inch mild steel?
For E6011 or E6013 rods with 1/8 inch steel, start with an amperage setting around 80-100 amps. Adjust the amperage based on your specific welding machine and the welding position. Its always a good idea to practice on scrap pieces first to dial in your settings.
What are the key differences between E6011 and E6013 welding rods?
E6011 rods are known for their deep penetration and are excellent for welding through rust or painted surfaces. E6013 rods offer a smoother arc and are easier to use for beginners, producing a flatter bead profile. Both rods are suitable, but the choice depends on the specific project requirements and your experience level.
Can I weld 1/8 inch mild steel outdoors?
Yes, you can weld 1/8 inch mild steel outdoors, especially with E6011 rods. E6011 rods perform well in windy conditions. However, try to shield the welding area from excessive wind to maintain a stable arc and achieve the best weld quality.
Final Thoughts
In our review of the best welding rods for 1/8 inch mild steel, weve examined several top contenders, focusing on their performance and suitability for various welding projects. The Lincoln Electric Fleetweld 37 excels with its ease of use and excellent weld appearance, making it a great choice for beginners. For projects requiring deep penetration and strong welds, the Hobart 7018 provides outstanding results. The ESAB Atom Arc 7018 is also a fantastic alternative to the Hobart rods.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs. Consider the desired weld strength, the welding position, and your experience level when selecting a rod. Whether youre a seasoned professional or a weekend warrior, choosing the right welding rod is essential. Explore these options and select the rod that best fits your next welding task. Happy welding!
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
