How to compare rod ovens

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I want to be able to have some dry E7018 on hand. It still takes me a while to go through 10 lbs of rod and I don't know how much that will change as I get more proficient. I'm mainly practicing and working up to larger projects around a ranch so a 10-15 pound oven seems about right. When I start looking around, I see the cost of a new portable 10-15 lb. is about the same as a used 150 lb benchtop model (Red-D-Arc, ~$200) or something in between like a used Keen 50 pounder for $150.What in your experience is going to be more efficient and cost effective to turn on for a few weeks or a month or two at a time and set in ? A small oven won't take much energy to heat up initially, but if I were to guess it doesn't have the thermal mass or the insulation of a larger oven.Any other reason you would go with one over the other in my kind of situation?(If the portable seems like the way to go to you: Does one of the portable brands stand out for efficiency and insulation? Most of them don't look like the lids are even insulated and makes me think I'd eventually build an insulated box around it anyway.Can anyone tell me if those canister style portable Phoenix ovens all over ebay would be a good buy? They're all painted various colors, some look like they just fell off of a pickup like they're coming off a pipeline or something. They seem  to go from $75-$125 and I can't get much info on those to how one of those would compare to the new square Dryrod II types.)Also if anyone's had luck looking ovens up in the used equipment network linked on this website I'd be interested in how to do that as I couldn't figure out how to search for them specifically, just welders and every other kind of industrial oven.Any input is much appreciated!
Reply:I have all three sizes a 200 pound oven a 50 and a 10. The 200 pound takes about 700 watts to start and the 50 and 10 take about 150 watts. I use the 50 and 10 pound on site when doing code work it is required. I bought the 10 pound new on eBay for $90 the 50 pound for $150 new on eBay and the 200 pound used for $80 during a business close out. If I had to choose one for a small operation it would be the 50 pound that way I could fit all the different rods in it.Sent from my C811 4G using TapatalkVantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:i bought 3 pheonix 10 pounders off ebay for about 50 dollars a piece in about '04, they are liked you described from construction sites, they still work today.     i bought a lenco 10 pounder at an auction for 15 dollars since then.    i keep my rod in a fridge w/ light bulb, or in a 3" sched 40 pvc pipe w/ a glued cap on one end, and non glued slip cap on other.    from there it gets warmed up in 10 lb rod oven right before i use it on inspected or crucial jobs.     the lid looks chintsy, for a reason, its designed like a hub cap at an angle in case any moisture were to rise, it could work its way out.Last edited by 123weld; 09-19-2015 at 07:22 PM.
Reply:A rod oven isn't an absolute necessity. There are other ways to keep rods reasonably dry for non code work. A friend of mine uses one of those vacuum sealers used for food, to package 7018 rods in small quantities after opening up a new sealed 50 lb can. He'll break down the can into 5-10 lb lots and vacuum seal them and open as needed. An oring sealed rod can will work for rods as well in many areas..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You wouldn’t believe what gets built here in the Pacific North West, (in the rain). No rod ovens in sight. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Thanks for the fast feedback, especially what you were getting your ovens for, that helps me value what I'm looking at and see the deals. I see newish used ovens going for 110% of retail on Craigslist.That part about the light lid letting water out makes a lot of sense, that changes how I was looking at the little ovens.I've been thinking about vacuum sealing some as I'd like to be able buy larger amounts for the savings, I might try the PVC vs some vacuum mylar bags to see if it makes a difference.CEP: Haha, does that qualify as underwater yet? I'm in the cascades too and am not sure how to mix welding with the coming winter months yet. I guess just do like you've done though, weld it and test it.Last edited by Swechef; 09-19-2015 at 07:38 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by SwechefI'm in the cascades too and am not sure how to mix welding with the coming winter months yet.
Reply:If you have to weld in wet weather, always remember to only use DC and keep the ground on the side away from the weldor. Never use AC in the wet.The Cascades is a beautiful area. I miss being out in that area..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:I have two ovens, not that I really need them, but one point I would make is get one with a thermostat built in.Otherwise they just draw power all the time.My 15 lb draws all the time if plugged it (more for portable/temp use) - my 50 lb unit cycles with a thermostat.The directions say to leave the lid cracked open when first used for an hour or so, then close it.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Loud and clear on DC only in the rain. I still imagine I'm going to avoid it if I can but you guys have me very curious now about what I could do in the rain if push came to shove. The tip about the thermostats is dead-on. I'd been sort of assuming they all had that, just varying degrees but that's actually making this much easier that some don't. Anyone know for certain if a Phoenix Model 20 has a thermostat?
Reply:300f is what appears most common to me w/ 10 pounders, i have seen some 160f though.   get the 300.    you cant really weld in the rain to well, gloves get wet, lens fogs up, etc    if you were on an inspected job w/ 7018, the inspector wouldn't let you weld in the rain.     the rod can't get rain drops on it.   if the thing don't have a thermostat, thats cuz its better not to (less to go wrong), some things are just better to be left on.    a ten pounder takes about an hour to get up to temp w/ 4lbs of rod in it, that tells you its a trickle feed system to something that you already know isn't inslulated well.Last edited by 123weld; 09-20-2015 at 12:50 AM.
Reply:Another item, I found that my small one, with the rod elevator attached to the lid, sucked to load or get rod out.The lid was in the way.I cut the rod off the lid, put a finger loop bend on it, and all was well again Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:I have a 10 pound Pheonix ac-dc how well do they work on my SA200 Lincoln. Just wondered? Thanks JohnSent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by johnrbauerI have a 10 pound Pheonix ac-dc how well do they work on my SA200 Lincoln. Just wondered? Thanks JohnSent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Reply:Thanks I thought it might push the generator to the limit especially with running a grinder.  John
Reply:My Phoenix 300 degree 50# oven is rated 350 Watts on 120V AC/DC."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:I just measured the resistance and amps on my #10 er and my first statement was wrong  I measured 139 ohms unplugged and 0.8 amps plugged in. The oven is 100 Watt so this confirms electric watts. The last time I measured amps was in the middle of winter and I swear it was drawing 6 or so amps.  I did check my truck block heater and confirmed 20 ohms so 6.5 amps for block heater is correct. I left my rod oven plugged in to test again at 280F .Oldendum, can you verify 3 amps and 40 ohms for your 350 W oven?Last edited by Insaneride; 09-20-2015 at 01:30 PM.
Reply:This is the 10 pound dry rod 2Sent from my C811 4G using TapatalkVantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Thanks  John
Reply:This is the 50 pound lencoSent from my C811 4G using TapatalkVantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Originally Posted by GmmandanThis is the 10 pound dry rod 2Sent from my C811 4G using Tapatalk
Reply:Sent from my C811 4G using TapatalkVantage 300 kubota ,miller 304 xmt ,lincoln ln 25 pro , ranger 305 G, plenty of other tools of the trade to make the sparks fly.
Reply:Many thanks for the input and advice!