homedepot 7018's

[Rusty4242]

I just bought a box of Lincoln 7018 rods at Homedepot. Label says that if the are sold in a carton,like they are at homedepot, to heat em up to 700 degrees for an hour before use. my oven won't go that high. they see to weld fine as is. I put them right in a rod keeper with a big pack of silica jell right out of the plastic covered carton. will this keep em ok?

[BobG_in_VA]

They should be OK to us as is..., but even if you can't get to 700 degrees, put them in the oven at about 350 to 400 for about an hour and slow cook them...I usually use only 6011s at the farm as they don't require heating and I'm usually burning thru some rust, etc. They don't leave as nice a bead as a 7018 but are more fogiving in other areas. BobG in Va

[Rusty4242]

thanks for the tip,bob

[allengentry]

7018s should be stored in an oven kept between 250-350*F 24/7.

Allen

[Renovator]

If you use 7014 you just have to keep them dry and they work fine.
Renovator

[Berniep]

Originally Posted by Rusty4242

I just bought a box of Lincoln 7018 rods at Homedepot. Label says that if the are sold in a carton,like they are at homedepot, to heat em up to 700 degrees for an hour before use. my oven won't go that high. they see to weld fine as is. I put them right in a rod keeper with a big pack of silica jell right out of the plastic covered carton. will this keep em ok?

They will probably weld ok but the low hydrogen properties (which make them able to make stronger welds with less hydrogen embrittlement) are lost if they are not conditioned properly.
I think you would be better off with one of the 60 series rods. I am surprised that home depot even sells the 7018 when almost noone who buys welding equipment there is going to have a proper rod oven.

Edit:
I just saw your other thread on this subject and recomend that you follow the obvious expertise of allengentry since you will be welding material that needs a low hydrogen rod.