When to dry welding rods

admin

What are the best practices and rules for drying welding rods?I understand the flux coating should be kept dry to be most effective.  I believe buying them in a sealed can insures this.  I also understand storing them in an airtight container is best.What brought this to my attention was seeing a note on the HF 1/16" rod which came in a plastic container with snap on lid (obviously not air tight) which said you should heat their rods at 70 - 100 degrees F for at least 30 minutes before use and I know that commercial "ovens" for rods are preferable for commercial usage, but I have never seen a comprehensive policy for keeping rods at their peak.Thanks,Jerry
Reply:Just to confirm for you. Low hydrogen rods like 7018, 8018,9018 are the rods that require being kept in a rod oven to confirm to "code" welding work. Non low hydrogen rods do not require being kept in an oven.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:7018's have some moisture limits, but not all rods get dried.  Celluosic rods (XX10 and XX11) notably need a small % of moisture to run properly.  AWS A5.1 gives 3-7% as a range for these electrodes.  Put a 6010/11 in a 7018 oven and try to weld with it, it doesn't work the same as with a properly "moist" rod.  Presumably this moisture content is considered suitable for 70/80/9010 and maybe 7011 (uncommon).5.1 does give some recommendations for non-low-hydrogen storage and drying in Table A.3, but also state that the Mfg's guidelines should be followed.Last edited by Fred s; 09-03-2013 at 10:15 AM.Experience is something you get right after you need it
Reply:Yeah I can vouch for this also. Lohy rods need to be kept warm prior to use. Also aluminum stick rods if any moisture touches them they turn into sponges.
Reply:Thanks for the clarification folks!Jerry
Reply:Originally Posted by CMMWhat are the best practices and rules for drying welding rods?t I have never seen a comprehensive policy for keeping rods at their peak.Jerry