YESWELDER TIG Welding Rod ER70S-6 Review Best Mild Steel Welding Rods Comparison

Description

Noise Levels

Using the YESWELDER ER70S-6-5LB-1.6 welding rod in my small home workshop, I found noise levels to be fairly typical for TIG welding setups. The rod itself doesn’t produce any noise, of course, but the arc sound when welding mild steel with this rod is consistent and not overly harsh. In contrast to some of the more aggressive rods I’ve used in the past, this one keeps the sound at a manageable level, which is a relief during long sessions. My coworkers even commented on how much less of a racket it was compared to other rods we’ve tried, making it easier to focus on the welds without feeling fatigued by loud arc noises.

Ice Production Speed

Okay, this might sound out of place since we’re talking about a welding rod, but I had to mention my initial confusion when I first saw the “ice” term in some similar product discussions! Clearly, this rod is about melting metal, not making ice, so I’ll pivot to how quickly it “produces”—or in welding terms, how efficiently it melts and deposits filler metal. The YESWELDER ER70S-6-5LB-1.6 melts steadily, allowing me to maintain a smooth welding rhythm without constantly adjusting for poor wire feed or inconsistent melting. The copper coating helps the rod feed smoothly through the TIG torch, and I experienced minimal sticking or stubbing. This efficiency translated to quicker job completion, especially on thicker mild steel pieces.

Ease of Use

Welding with the YESWELDER ER70S-6-5LB-1.6 rod proved surprisingly user-friendly, even for someone like me who isn’t a TIG welding specialist. The rod’s 1/16” diameter felt just right for general fabrication tasks around the garage. It’s forgiving on rusty or oily surfaces, which meant I didn’t have to spend excessive time prepping every single piece before welding. During a recent project where I was fabricating a small trailer frame, the rod’s ease of feeding and stable arc helped me focus on bead consistency rather than fighting with the equipment. My nephew, who’s new to welding, tried it as well and was able to lay a decent bead after some quick coaching.

Features

This welding rod stands out for its copper coating, which provides excellent conductivity and reduces oxidation during welding. I noticed the ER70S-6 specification makes it compatible with 100% CO2 shielding gas, which I use often, and it also performs well with argon mixtures. The manganese and silicon deoxidizers in the rod’s alloy composition allow for higher welding currents and a smoother bead. These features combined make it a versatile choice for various mild steel applications, including construction, farm equipment repair, and general shop fabrication. The 5-pound spool size is practical for hobbyists and professionals alike, offering a good balance between quantity and manageability.

Durability

After several welding sessions using the YESWELDER ER70S-6-5LB-1.6 rod, I can attest to its durability in terms of performance consistency. The copper coating remains intact well, preventing rust and corrosion on the rods left unused for weeks in my garage. This resilience means I don’t have to worry about wasting rods due to surface degradation. During an extended project involving patching up a rusty truck body, the rod held up impressively, maintaining arc stability throughout. However, it’s worth noting that the rods are somewhat sensitive to moisture, so proper storage is still recommended to maximize lifespan.

Ice Quality & Type

Switching gears back to welding terminology, the weld quality produced with this rod is excellent. The bead appearance is smooth and clean, with minimal spatter or slag, which makes post-weld cleanup much less tedious. I particularly appreciated how this rod handles poor fit-ups and less-than-ideal plate conditions—a real boon when working on farm implements or older steel frames. The welds come out with good penetration and solid fusion, making them strong and visually appealing. My welding mentor even complimented the consistent bead profile I achieved, saying it rivaled some professional-grade TIG welds.

Warranty

The product listing and packaging didn’t highlight an extensive warranty, which is fairly common for welding rods. However, based on my experience and feedback from others online, the manufacturer stands behind the quality of the product through responsive customer service. I haven’t personally needed to contact support, but discussions on welding forums mention that YESWELDER is quick to address concerns or defects. Given the competitive pricing and solid performance, the lack of a formal warranty isn’t a dealbreaker, but buyers should keep this in mind.

Product Comparisons

Compared to similar TIG welding rods like the Lincoln Electric ER70S-6 or Hobart’s mild steel rods, the YESWELDER ER70S-6-5LB-1.6 holds its own quite well. While Lincoln rods are often praised for their premium quality and slightly higher price point, I found the YESWELDER rods offer comparable bead smoothness and arc stability at a better value for my budget. Hobart rods sometimes struggle with spatter on rusty surfaces, whereas the ER70S-6 rod handles those conditions better, thanks to its manganese and silicon content. If you prioritize a smooth weld with minimal cleanup and work often deals with less-than-pristine steel, this rod stands out. However, for ultra-precision or extremely thin materials, some competitors might edge out in terms of specialization.

Benefits

• Smooth weld beads with minimal spatter, reducing cleanup time
• Copper-coated rods resist oxidation and improve conductivity
• Versatile performance on mild and low alloy steel, even with poor fit-up
• Compatible with 100% CO2 or argon shielding gases, adapting to various welding setups

Areas for Improvement

• Packaging could be improved to better protect rods from moisture exposure
• Lack of a detailed official warranty might concern some buyers
• Slight sensitivity to moisture means careful storage is necessary to avoid rust
• Limited diameter options may not cover every specialized welding need

Value for Money

Evaluating the price performance of this welding rod against others on the market, I feel it offers solid value for money. The combination of a 5-pound spool, copper coating, and alloy composition makes it a cost-effective choice without sacrificing quality. For those welding mild steel regularly—whether for farm equipment repairs, hobby projects, or light construction—this product provides a balance of durability and performance that justifies the investment. While premium brands might offer marginally better finishes or additional sizes, the YESWELDER ER70S-6-5LB-1.6 is an affordable quality option that suits both beginners and experienced welders alike.