Welding rods and self cleaning oven

hosspuller · Nov 29, 2015

I have an opened 50# box of 7018 rods. It's been stored in the opened can in my office closet for 8 years. I'm concerned about moisture in the coating. Although I don't do any critical welding... just typical farm repairs.

A thought ... A self cleaning electric oven gets to about 850 degrees F. Say it takes 30 minutes to reach temperature, then hold it for an hour and let it cool.

Lincoln says to recondition 7018 rods at 750 F

I already know what the wife will say ... :talktothehand:

What does the TBN collective mind say ?

Big Barn · Nov 29, 2015

I personally wouldn't recommend it.

I have a 50# rod oven and on initial warming of 7018 it gives off a sulphur(?) odor.

Whatever it is, wouldn't be worth the risk doing it in the house.

Terry

KennyG · Nov 29, 2015

It's not worth what will happen for the next 20 years if it goes wrong. :confused3:

Shield Arc · Nov 29, 2015

If you're not doing code work, I wouldn't worry to much about cold 7018. Now 7018 always runs best when hot.
I use to build bridges for a living. When building the false work for concrete bridges, you wouldn't believe how many times a carpenter type would leave the lid to the gang box open, and get the 7018 wet. But we couldn't let that stop us.

muddstopper · Nov 29, 2015

I usually dry my rods on top of the wood stove. I dont like to buy more than 5 or 10 lbs of rods at a time so I'm not trying to dry a ton of rods. I checked the back of my wood stove temps and with a good fire, temps can easily get to the 800* mark. In the winter time, I just leave the rods on top of the stove until I need them. I will say I can notice a difference when welding with a hot rod versus a cold one.

bdog · Nov 29, 2015

If it isn't code work I wouldn't worry. I use a lot of 7018 and have never used an oven. I keep them out of the rain but that is about it. I do general farm type and heavy equipment repairs and have never had a failure due to the rods that I am aware of.

hosspuller · Nov 30, 2015

Thanks for the replies ... What difference do you see using a hot 7018 rod vs a cold rod that was stored in the opened can? ( like mine ) Is it worth getting a rod oven (say a 10 pounder size ... ) ??

Shield Arc · Nov 30, 2015

hosspuller said:
What difference do you see using a hot 7018 rod vs a cold rod that was stored in the opened can? ( like mine ) Is it worth getting a rod oven (say a 10 pounder size ... ) ??

The rod starts easier, The weld will flow nicer. But hey, I've gone for years on construction jobs without ever seeing a rod oven, so they are not needed, unless you're doing code work.