Welding Rod General Question

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Hey guys, as you know, I recently purchased an older Miller Thunderbolt and the guy threw in a bunch of rod.  Flux coated, of course.  Well, it's old, dirty, and was not protected from moisture.  According to what I've studied so far, it should be considered pretty much useless and discarded.  What my question is: can I place it in an oven at about 100 degrees to remove the moister, clean the elctrode end, maybe lightly brush or blow off any remainging dirt etc...,  and then use it just for practice?  I made some neat rod holders out of PVC pipe with end caps on them, as per Finch's book.Thanks"Never mistake education for intelligence."AIRCO Oxy/AccMiller Thunderbolt
Reply:The rod may be fine,a lot depends on what kind of rod and what it will be used for.
Reply:Page 2 of this catalog from Hobarthttp://www.hobartbrothers.com/downlo...artCatalog.pdfgives times and temperatures for reconditioning various types of rods- the lowest temp offered there is 250* F, for instance, and some rods don't recondition.
Reply:The issue with old rods will be the amount of rust. Yes, they can be re-baked but that won't get rid of the rust.Lincoln SA200's... at least 15 - 20. They come and go. Growing partial to the "Short Hoods" in my old age. Last count on Short Hoods was 13 in possession.
Reply:If you are just learning welding, I would opt for new rods.  There are enough obstacles to overcome learning to weld well without having to complicate it futzing with old rods.  'Jus my $0.02 worth.
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseIf you are just learning welding, I would opt for new rods.  There are enough obstacles to overcome learning to weld well without having to complicate it futzing with old rods.  'Jus my $0.02 worth.
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWI agree. You have an old AC Tbolt. I'd suggest starting out with 3/32" 7014. It's a drag rod so it's easy to learn on...
Reply:Originally Posted by shortfuseIf you are just learning welding, I would opt for new rods.  There are enough obstacles to overcome learning to weld well without having to complicate it futzing with old rods.  'Jus my $0.02 worth.