keeping welding rod dry?

[Short Game]

If you reuse the desiccant packets, bake them first to restore them to an anhydrous state where they can again absorb moisture from the air.

 

[BillBeyer]

I use a old fridge. Side by side.Installed light bulb socket in bottom of freezer section on a dimmer switch. Keep welding rods on lowest shelf, then ammunition on upper shelves and other side. had to reinforce shelves and cut a few holes between sides. works well

 

[Tractor Seabee]

I buy rod by the 10# box also. Comes in a nice plastic box with lid sealed w/electrical tape. I just put back in the box reseal with nbew tape and keep in the house not the garage (unheated). Never had a problem with moisture contamination. Oh; I never leave the box outside opened during work, take out only what I am using. If the rod gets damp put it in the oven at 150-200 degrees for awhile, then back in the box after it gets cool.

I have an old Wards 225A AC/DC machine. Always use on DC.

Ron

 

[grnspot110]

I've store mine in plastic pipes w/slip caps with no problems. You could always seal the caps with grease or tape if you desire, too. ~~ grnspot

 

[CalG]

When I grab some filler rod that has been sitting out. (all of mine ;-)

As long as the flux coating is still in good shape, I set the weld power very low, and hold the rod to a a piece of scrap. No arc, just hold it down. The current flow heats the rod rapidly, and the low power setting keeps from blowing off the shielding material. It doesn't take much of this to heat up the rod, you can just tell when the coating starts to take on a little color. time to pull the stick off.

After the heating, I give the rod a few moments to "dry off"" while I reset the weld power. Then start in welding.
This is no good for any job that requires a fair amount of filler rod, but the original post did mention needing just a small amount.

A "make do" for back yard welders ;-) I've not heard this kink done by others, and it probably does more harm than good, but the rod seems to like it. At least for me.

Other than that, a toaster oven set to 450 for 1/2 hour works great.

better is to keep the rod dry in the first place, but....

 

[JB4310]

When I grab some filler rod that has been sitting out. (all of mine ;-)

As long as the flux coating is still in good shape, I set the weld power very low, and hold the rod to a a piece of scrap. No arc, just hold it down. The current flow heats the rod rapidly, and the low power setting keeps from blowing off the shielding material. It doesn't take much of this to heat up the rod, you can just tell when the coating starts to take on a little color. time to pull the stick off.

After the heating, I give the rod a few moments to "dry off"" while I reset the weld power. Then start in welding.
This is no good for any job that requires a fair amount of filler rod, but the original post did mention needing just a small amount.

A "make do" for back yard welders ;-) I've not heard this kink done by others, and it probably does more harm than good, but the rod seems to like it. At least for me.

Other than that, a toaster oven set to 450 for 1/2 hour works great.

better is to keep the rod dry in the first place, but....

Wow, I never thought of that, if it really works that's a great tip, quick and easy. I gotta try it next time I do some welding.

Thanks, JB

 

[elginfarm]

Does anyone see any problem with drying rods in a propane grill set at low heat for a few hours rather than using the oven in the house? I would rather do it outside and then put the rods in a sealed container or use some of the other tips I have read here. Thanks for the input.

 

[JB4310]

Does anyone see any problem with drying rods in a propane grill set at low heat for a few hours rather than using the oven in the house? I would rather do it outside and then put the rods in a sealed container or use some of the other tips I have read here. Thanks for the input.

Don't see why it would not work, anything that heats them should dry them.

Water is a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion, but I doubt it would play a role in the equation.

You might get hungry though, smelling the grill burning

JB.

 

[chopped]

I like the toaster oven
cheap.
Walmart.com: Rival 4-Slice Toaster Oven, White: Appliances
or even better maybe a yard sale or a re-use business..

 

[k0ua]

Don't see why it would not work, anything that heats them should dry them.

Water is a byproduct of fossil fuel combustion, but I doubt it would play a role in the equation.

You might get hungry though, smelling the grill burning

JB.

I kinda think that the water given off constantly with the propane combustion might hurt. I think the electric toaster oven is a better idea. Cooks like a propane oven for the "moist heat" it gives off.

James K0UA