Proper electrode storage?

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Ok, I was doing some research and found some threats about the point and good ideas about DIY storage container like the ones made from PVC.  Navigating the NET found another FORUM in which one of the members did the same but he stated that you need to put “silica gel pads” to keep the electrodes dry specially E7018.  Any comments will be appreciated.
Reply:Well it depends on the rod.  Ideally you store 7018 (or any low-hy rod) at 250 degrees.  On the other hand some rods like 6010 run optimally with a small percentage of moisture in the flux (7 to 10 percent).  Sent from my DROID3 using Tapatalk 2Jay DavisAWS-CWIC-60 Specialty Welding ContractorLoving husband, and father of two boys (
Reply:You can make those pretty cheap using PVC. However, the bottom is rounded, they are thicker so they take up more room, the weigh a little more and they don't have a rubber gasket. The cheapest I found the real ones, made by RodGuard, was from Betty Mills. They were like $6 something each."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Obviously better than open box i use the screw top ones from fleet farm. I don't use much 7018 but they keep the 6011 and 7014 in good shape.Millermatic 252millermatic 175miller 300 Thunderboltlincoln ranger 250smith torcheslots of bfh'sIf it dont fit get a bigger hammer
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manYou can make those pretty cheap using PVC. However, the bottom is rounded, they are thicker so they take up more room, the weigh a little more and they don't have a rubber gasket. The cheapest I found the real ones, made by RodGuard, was from Betty Mills. They were like $6 something each.
Reply:I forgot about that. But I tend to get goofy about things and I wanted them all to match. All my rods are in blue Rod Guards. All of my gouging carbons are in red ones. Maybe I will use orange for my hardfacing rods.???"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Here's the HF. It has a belt clip that is useful to hang on bench. I can't imagine hanging on belt.http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...per-46477.htmlI got the blue one too. You can't beat it for 4.00 with coupon !
Reply:Using Dessicant packs to kep 7018 dry isn't very effective, since the flux is highly hygroscopic itself.  Imagine trying to dry a wet towel with a dry towel.  You'll just end up with 2 damp towels.Heat is the only PROPER way to preserve low-hy rods.I wonder, with the pull-off ends, if the vacuum created is enough to make it more difficult to open.Likewise, the air inside will be compressed when you seal it, which will raise the dew point inside the container, potentially causing moisture to condense inside.Now that I'm thinking about it, A vacuum container would also be an effective way to keep low-hy rods dry.  You can boil water at room temperature if you pull enough vacuum on it.  A well sealed container drawn to a total vacuum might actually make for a decent long-term storage solution.
Reply:If you are truly dedicated, make a steel "pipe bomb"-style tube with end caps and purge fittings. Purge with argon or MIG gas and be happy.
Reply:Originally Posted by farmallIf you are truly dedicated, make a steel "pipe bomb"-style tube with end caps and purge fittings. Purge with argon or MIG gas and be happy.