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The UNIFAMILY TIG welding rod is a 1/16 inch (1.6 mm), 15.75 inch (400 mm) ER70S-6 mild steel filler rod, about 2 lb per pack according to the listing. It is a general-purpose filler for TIG welding mild and low-alloy steel, such as thin sheet, brackets and small tube. Choose it if you weld carbon steel with argon shielding and want a low-cost filler. Do not buy it for aluminum or stainless.
UNIFAMILY TIG welding rod at a glance
| Item | What the listing says |
|---|---|
| Classification | ER70S-6 (mild steel TIG and MIG filler) |
| Diameter | 1/16 in (1.6 mm) |
| Length | 15.75 in (400 mm) |
| Weight | About 2 lb |
| Surface | Copper-coated mild steel |
| Suitable metals | Mild and low-alloy steel |
Specs come from the seller’s Amazon listing. Check the listing for the exact weight and rod count, as pack contents vary.
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What ER70S-6 TIG rod is and who it suits
ER70S-6 is a carbon steel filler with extra deoxidizers (manganese and silicon). That helps it tolerate light mill scale or surface rust better than lower-alloy fillers. It is one of the most common fillers for mild steel in both TIG and MIG.
This 1/16 inch size is a good match for:
- Thin to medium sheet metal and small tube or pipe.
- Automotive brackets, frames and general repairs on mild steel.
- Welders practicing TIG on steel at modest amperage.
How to check it suits your job
- Base metal: Use it on mild or low-alloy carbon steel only. Stainless needs a stainless filler such as ER308L or ER316L, and aluminum needs ER4043 or ER5356.
- Shielding gas: TIG with this rod uses 100% argon. CO2 or argon/CO2 mixes are for MIG, not TIG. Any mention of CO2 for this rod does not apply to TIG welding.
- Polarity: TIG on steel uses DC electrode negative. AC is mainly for aluminum, so ignore any claim that you need both AC and DC.
- Rod diameter: Match diameter to the joint. 1/16 in suits thin material, while thicker plate usually needs 3/32 or 1/8 in.
- Length: A 15.75 in rod is a little shorter than the common 36 in rod, so you will change rods more often but it is easier to store.
- Coating: A copper coating protects against rust in storage. Keep the rod dry and clean it if it gets dirty.
Pros and limitations
Pros
- ER70S-6 is the standard choice for mild steel.
- Deoxidizers make it forgiving on slightly imperfect surfaces.
- Short rods are easy to store and handle.
Limitations
- Not for aluminum, stainless or cast iron.
- The filler is consumed as you weld, so it cannot be reused.
- Even with good filler, welds need cleaning. Remove oil, paint and heavy rust before welding, and brush or grind off any slag or oxide afterward.
- Rod quality varies between sellers, so check the ER70S-6 marking on the rod or box.
Using the rod and staying safe
- Clean the joint to bright metal with a wire brush or flap disc.
- Set DC electrode negative, a sharpened tungsten, and argon flow per your machine’s chart.
- Dip the rod into the leading edge of the puddle rather than the arc, and keep the rod end within the gas shield as you withdraw it.
- Do not weld galvanized or coated metal without proper ventilation and a suitable respirator, since zinc fumes are hazardous.
- Wear a TIG-appropriate helmet shade, gloves and flame-resistant clothing, and keep the area free of flammables.
- Store rods in a dry tube or box.
Alternatives and related guides
- If you want wire for MIG instead, see the ER70S-6 MIG welding wire review.
- For tungsten, check the blue 3/32 tungsten electrode and the pre-ground tungsten electrodes.
- For cups and gas flow, see the ceramic TIG cup review.
- Keep rods tidy with the TIG welding rod holder rack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What metals can I weld with an ER70S-6 TIG rod?
ER70S-6 is for mild and low-alloy carbon steel. It is not suitable for aluminum, which needs ER4043 or ER5356, or for stainless steel, which needs a matching stainless filler such as ER308L or ER316L.
What shielding gas does this TIG rod need?
TIG welding uses 100% argon for steel. Argon/CO2 mixes and pure CO2 are used for MIG welding and are not suitable for TIG, because they would damage the tungsten and make the arc unstable.
Can I reuse the rod?
No. Filler rod is melted into the weld pool, so each piece is used up. The short stub at the end of the rod is usually discarded or used for tacks. Store unused rods dry so they do not rust.
What size rod should I use for thicker steel?
1/16 in suits thin sheet and small tube. Thicker steel usually calls for 3/32 or 1/8 in rod so you can add metal faster. Match the rod to the joint and amperage, and check your machine chart.
Verdict
This UNIFAMILY ER70S-6 rod is a straightforward, low-cost filler for TIG welding mild steel at 1/16 inch. Use it with argon and DC, keep it dry, and pick another filler if you weld stainless or aluminum.
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