Welding Rod Recommendation

[ArlyA]

As usual, this thread is wondering into far right and left fields.. Knee says he is a fair welder, has a DC machine and asks "what is strong and easy to use rods" to weld these plates on. What is SSA anyway?? I'd still recommend 7018 rods....

I am a fair welder, my beads are not pretty but they hold.
I have a project that needs strong welds on 1/4" SSA plate for a homemade brush bucket
Using a Miller AC/DC Thunderbolt.
What is a good all purpose rod that runs easy and is strong?
TIA

 

[searcyfarms]

maybe stainless steel alloy?

 

[Big Barn]

He prob means SSQA? Skid steer quick attach?

Or maybe it’s NOT going to be quick? SSA?

 

[Big Barn]

As usual, this thread is wondering into far right and left fields.. Knee says he is a fair welder, has a DC machine and asks "what is strong and easy to use rods" to weld these plates on. What is SSA anyway?? I'd still recommend 7018 rods....

I can’t speak for the OP, but if it was my thread I’d be okay with the replies. Everyone has contributed something useful and I’ve picked up quite a few interesting tidbits so far.

 

[searcyfarms]

i have one of those ;-) NSSA large pins and HAMMER required

 

[dragoneggs]

i thot that is what easy bake ovens were for!!!!

they have been repurposed :laughing:

Okay here is a useless reply...

Time to watch for one at the Goodwill. I suppose those are collectibles now though.

 

[kneedeep]

I can’t speak for the OP, but if it was my thread I’d be okay with the replies. Everyone has contributed something useful and I’ve picked up quite a few interesting tidbits so far.

As the OP of this thread, I am very satisfied with the replies and tips.
However;
I would be interested as to how others store their rods. My system keeps them dry, but not warm enough.
How is best way to warm, say a YETI cooler. It should be good for at least 150 degree?
Or is a old frig or Mini Bar better?

What say you??

 

[Big Barn]

Lincoln Electric calls for opened cans or packs of 7018 to be stored at 250-300°F.

This is for welding done to code as low hydrogen rods are easily susceptible to absorbing moisture from the atmosphere.

Most likely for NON code work rods from opened packages that have been kept in sealed containers will be okay.

I have a 50 # capacity rod oven and perhaps because I am NOT a pro welder I find I can run a HOT 7018 much better than a cold one.










I store my opened boxes of NON low hydrogen rods in sealed plastic rod tubes available economically at most stores.








I could be wrong but it is of my opinion that it’s best to keep your 7018’s in an airtight container OR ideally a proper 250° rod oven. You may be wasting your time with light-bulbed fridges or anything in between. Please keep in mind these are observations and opinions of a NON pro welder.

 

[Gordon Gould]

I keep my 7018 rods in a sealed container in an area that is humidity controlled at 50%. I use the rods at room temp - no oven. I do not stock up on rods, just buy what I need by the 5 lb box. They stay good for what I do around here even though it is not what a professional would need. You will know it when they have absorbed to much moisture. Won't run as smooth and unexplained porosity will become a problem.

gg

 

[k0ua]

I keep my 7018 rods in a sealed container in an area that is humidity controlled at 50%. I use the rods at room temp - no oven. I do not stock up on rods, just buy what I need by the 5 lb box. They stay good for what I do around here even though it is not what a professional would need. You will know it when they have absorbed to much moisture. Won't run as smooth and unexplained porosity will become a problem.

gg

I do the same.. Small quantities, keep them sealed in the containers shown above that have rubber gaskets in a cool dry humidly controlled environment. When I open them to get some rods out, I close them back up quickly to hopefully not absorb any more moisture than they have to. It has worked out for me so far. I know a rod oven would be better but I have done well with the 7018 without it. The 6011 of course don't need a rod oven, in fact I believe they need some moisture to run well.