What happens if I used E6011 rod with DC+?

Question

Will the weld rust or not bond very well? It looks like a good bead. (It was an oops!)

It will be bearing a load, mild 3/8 steel 4x2x1/4 tube, diagonal brace.

Answer 1

I think you should be fine; the E6011 rod has the same characteristics as the E6010 rod (which is DC straight), only with reversed polarity. The penetration will be pretty deep, and it should hold just fine; either the E6010 or E6011 is usable on dirty, rusted, or painted metals, and one would assume that neither would result in a rapidly rusted weld.

Since DC current flows in one direction, DC current can be DC straight, (electrode negative) or DC reversed (electrode positive). With DC reversed,(DC+ OR DCRP) the weld penetration will be deep. DC straight (DC- OR DCSP) the weld will have a faster melt off and deposit rate. The weld will have medium penetration.