E6013 is the easy, beginner-friendly rutile rod: 60,000 psi tensile strength, a smooth stable arc, and slag that peels off — ideal for sheet metal, auto body, and light fabrication on clean mild steel.
Specifications
| AWS class | E6013 |
| Tensile strength | 60,000 psi |
| Coating | Rutile (high-titania potassium) |
| Positions | All; best flat and horizontal |
| Polarity | AC, DCEN, or DCEP |
| Amperage | 3/32": 40–90 A · 1/8": 70–140 A |
| Penetration | Light |
| Storage | Dry storage, no oven required |
| Typical use | Sheet metal, auto body, hobby and maintenance work |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is E6013 used for?
E6013 shines on clean, thin-to-medium mild steel where appearance matters and the joint is not load-bearing — auto body panels, sheet metal, fences, and general DIY work.
E6013 vs E7018 — which should I pick?
Pick E6013 for easy, good-looking welds on thin non-structural steel; pick E7018 when the joint carries load or must meet code — E7018 is stronger (70 vs 60 ksi) and penetrates deeper.
What amperage does E6013 need?
About 40–90 A for 3/32" rods and 70–140 A for 1/8" rods. E6013 runs on AC or either DC polarity, which makes it forgiving on basic machines.