Haven't done it myself, but I've read that you'll get lots of "popping" and other weird effects. Tig filler rod is cheap enough. Get tig filler rods.

 

Not recommended. TIG filler has additional deoxidizers.

 

short answer, no

 

RG45 is used both for TIG (GTAW) and oxy-acetylene:
https://www.arc-zone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=8703
Also this topic covered here:
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?9014-What-filler-to-use-with-TIG

 

I have used RG45 rods for TIG with noticeably poor results, mostly excessive porosity. As Oldendum stated above, RG45 does not have the proper deoxidizers for TIG welding. Best to use ER70S-2 for cleaner steel, ER70S-6 for steel with light scale or oxidation. Rust or heavy mill scale are not friendly to TIG and must be removed before welding.

Note also the difference in strength between the gas rod (45 KSI) and the TIG rod (70 KSI).

John

 

Interesting to note the composition of these Harris RG-45 and RG-60 rods. Click on the Technical tab.

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/.../en/Products/Alloys/Welding/Mild-Steel/W1060-RG45-SOLID-WIRE-GTAW-OXY-FUEL.aspx

Si - 0.1%
Cu - 0.3%
Mn - 0.05%
Cr - 0.2%
Al - 0.02%
P - 0.035%
C - 0.08%
Mo - 0.2%
S - 0.04%
Ni - 0.3%

http://www.harrisproductsgroup.com/.../en/Products/Alloys/Welding/Mild-Steel/W1200-RG60-SOLID-WIRE-GTAW-OXY-FUEL.aspx

Si - 0.1-0.35%
Cu - 0.3%
Mn - 0.9-1.4%
Cr - 0.2%
Al - 0.02%
P - 0.035%
C - 0.25%
Mo - 0.2%
S - 0.035%
Ni - 0.3%

Here's their ER70S-6:

Si - 0.8-1.15%
Mn - 1.4-1.85%
P - 0.025%
C - 0.06-0.15%
S - 0.035%

And ER70S-2 "triple deoxidized":

Si - 0.45-0.7%
Mn - 0.9-1.4%
Ti - 0.05-0.15%
Al - 0.05-0.15%
P - 0.025%
C - 0.15%
S - 0.035%
Zr - 0.02-0.12%

 

Given the LWS stocks more for TIGs than O/A, I would pose the opposite question... can TIG rods be used for O/A welding?

 

Absolutely.

 

I have no idea what exactly the type of rod it is but I have some old rusty gas welding rods that were my grandfathers. A few weeks ago I cleaned one up and tried it on mild steel with my TIG and it seemed to work fine. Not worth the effort of cleaning the rust though..

 

We used to just ask for 1/16" copper coated steel rod... no idea what the steel makeup properties were though. Some guys still think you should be able to weld with coat hangers. That never was a very predictable way of making a joint, and they don't make coat hangers like they used too...

 

Not recommended as superbly outlined above. However if they worked then they worked! And using some old school stuff of your grandfathers is really cool. I'd keep it around just for that

 

I didn't know there was a difference in copper coated steel, in fact I'm not sure what I'm using! Guess I better find out!