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Which rods for a buzz box welder?

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Eugene:
I've never done any welding other than hard silver soldering. However a kind friend has given me a simple buzz box welder and I'd like to get on terms with it. The machine seemed happy enough with 2.5mm rod when used on some flat scrap and considering my skill level (zero) produced a reasonablish bead.

I understand that some grades of rod are more forgiving than others especially for beginners; if that is right which grade do I order? The initial aim is to make some framework from m/s box section.

Thanks in advance,

Eug

edward:
I am in a similar position having been gifted an ancient Weldmate. Done a bit of gas brazing in the past but no welding of any sort. Will be following along.

If I may ask a supplemental (and possibly complimentary) question, mine came with a bunch of rods but they are all potentially damp as the packs were open. How could I set about drying them out as I understand damp might not be idea!?

John Rudd:
Electrodes are normally stored in a heated oven to prevent moisture ingress....
You could try placing them in your boss's kitchen .....

vtsteam:
I use 6011 more than anything else for utility stuff, but it isn't a pretty weld -- good penetration though. 6013 is often considered a beginner's rod because it flows out more with less spatter, but it really only does that well on a horizontal surface -- too liquidy for vertical or overhead. Also I tend to make crap welds with it -- but then I'm not a great welder.

7018 is a good rod, more expensive. And I've even welded cast iron with it. That's frowned upon generally. This is all personal opinion based on my buzzbox and amateurish welding, not a pro with good equipment.

6011 is pretty much my go to rod.

12345678910:
Not all rods are stored in an oven.
7018 is

Try 3/32" 7014 rods
They are easy to use and give good results.

After that you can go to 7018 but they need dry storage and are harder to strike and maintain the arc.

If your welder is AC only, find rods like 7014AC, 7018AC


Lincoln welding has a website full of tech info

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