Welding Rodes

I am not a welder, but as a tool and die maker for many years I have employed welding to repair damaged tools, in particular die casting molds using TIG welding. We alway used rods ("rodes"?) of the same alloy as the tool that was to be repaired. A2 rod for A2, H13 for H13, or at least a close alloy.

The most important factors in a successfully repair:

Preheat: The work should be heated to above the Martensitic transformation temperature and maintained at this temperature during the welding process. At least 500 deg. F.

Peening. As the bead cools it will shrink, putting the weld joint under tensile stress. Peening creates a compressive stress in the ductile Austinite that you are laying down.

Slow cooling: Insulate the work and let it come slowly to room temperature.

Draw the tool at the temperature required by the alloy to achieve the hardness required.

An experienced tool welder can add a lot more to my suggestions

thank u.. can u suggest me some welding gardes for draw tools and shearng tools(blanking and piercing)