Old rods - free - but sitting out

Iplayfarmer · Jul 12, 2010

Mark @ Everlast said:
They'll work..even a rusty rod will. You can practice technique. Unless the flux is falling off, you can still practice. Even if it is hard to start an arc, you will get better at arc striking.

That's what got me where I am. I bought about 30# of rod from a garage sale and ran half of it through my old Montgomery Wards AC stick welder sticking horseshoes, T-posts, and other scrap together. When I got new rods and a better welder, I can strike an arc with the best of them. I can make metal stick together now too.

It's not the easiest way to learn, but it works.

RLDSL · Jul 21, 2010

I bought a Craftsman ac stick welder a few years ago off craigslist, the guy had it listed for $100 OBO with 3big cans of GOOD rods, I drive 100 miles to check it out, the guy doesn't even have a 220 outlet to plug the thing in so it's a pit in a poke and then there are three restaurant size coffee cans full of rusty rods, total junk.I offered teh guy $50 for the lot and he jumped on it. I never did try to mess with the rods, I figured they might make good training rods for my son if I could ever dry them out, but at least I lucked out on the welder after cleaning out the muddauber nests :laughing: THankfully that unit has been sold for better goodies since.

k0ua · Jul 21, 2010

well here is my 2 cents, and I am no expert at all. But.
I think unless they are rusty and set out in the rain, they can be dryed out in the oven, as long as the flux is is still attached well. and they can be used for practice, if not for fine finish work. and further, even if you cant strike an arc with these things at all. the metal is pretty good steel and can be used to make things if you take a hammer to the flux and clean it off. I would give them a try. especially if they are 6011 (look on the flux for the number)if you want to send some of the 1/8 inch ones to me, I will be happy to burn them up for you. and let you know how they did.

James in Branson, Mo.
K0UA