7018 AC Rods

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I was given five boxes (5 lbs each) or 7018 AC Lincoln rods, 3/32".  I am used other rods for DC. Some have told me the 7018 can be used for both AC or DC just as well.  I've seen a lot of complaints to restarts to spatter, etc.  I definitely will keep them,( "if it's free, it's me), but wanted to see what the members who have experience with both have to say on :1-when they would be most useful.2-how to avoid the problems others have had and make the rods a pain.3-any other advice regarding practical experience with them.Thank youLast edited by TxDoc; 04-04-2013 at 01:17 AM.TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:No pro here.  All I can say is that I've read they're designed to run on a different voltage than the DC only rods, the flux that is.Run them next to a DC only 7018.   The problem I had was no differentiation of weld puddle from slag.  I had them mixed in the same can with excalibur.  With 7018 Excalibur, I finally got that "aha" moment.  Was like watching a MIG puddle with slag rolling off of it.  With the AC rod, I saw the arc and slag everywhere.  No weld puddle.  I kept adjusting the amps and my arc length, but I just couldn't figure out why I could see the puddle at one time, then it would disappear.   I finally realized that the rods were mixed.Heck, the price was right so burn some.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:It seems to depend on the operator and welding machine.I bought Lincoln 7018ac at HD (all they sold was a.c. rod,6011,6013,7018ac)used it with my machine set to d.c.Seemed to weld similar to Excaliber on larger machinesat my work .Other 7018(Hobart,Forney) I've tried didn't work nearly as well on my machine.Miller a/c-d/c Thunderbolt XLMillermatic 180 Purox O/ASmith Littletorch O/AHobart Champion Elite
Reply:Thanks Drf255 and jpump5. I appreciate the help.TxDoc's Photos Lincoln SP175 PlusLincoln Power Mig 256Lincoln 250 LX Spool Gun Lincoln Precision Tig 225 Hypertherm 600 KMG 2x72 Belt GrinderBaldor 812RE Grinder
Reply:TxDocAC 7018 was introduced decades ago for the Spatter-Box market.At its very best, its performance is vacuous.Its purpose was to serve the existing/standing market during the  emerging generation of Tomb-Stone sized machines with a DC port.Of your three questions, only # 1 is of merit.# 1 - when [would] they would be most useful?  A 5 lbs. box of AC 7018, is only useful one month a year, and that is December.Wrap it up with one of the fruit-cakes you received, and do not want, and regift to your most unfavorite welding understudy.Burn'em for practice, but not for product.Opus
Reply:They're not that bad, really. They do make it harder to see the puddle vs the flux, but they restart a lot easier then the Excalibur.I re-dried mine and put them in a Rod-Guard. I don't trust lo-hy rods that don't come in a sealed can.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:7018 ac rods run fine on DC+ weld current. 7018 rods meant for DC only use do not run great on an AC buzzbox.Truth is, most "hobby" welders wouldn't be able to tell the difference between a moisture contaminated 7018 rod and one fresh out of a rod oven.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I cant tell the difference between using the rod oven and or not using a rod oven. Im no xpert , but I have 7018  older than some of the weldors here and like jpump5 said, its not the rod , its the weldor behind the stinger. As i would say, " its the nut behind the stinger.Last edited by Insaneride; 04-05-2013 at 10:28 PM.Reason: 7018 restarts suck, bust the xcess flux before restart
Reply:A fresh box of Lincoln 7018AC works fine with AC current.  I've used it lots of times.  I prefer Excalibur with DC, but if you know how to stick weld through practicing a lot, the AC 7018's work fine.
Reply:Anyone got any info on Hobart's 7018AC 1/8?I should mention that I have no experience with it at all, I was forced to buy it more or less since my welder isn't really up to snuff for 5/32.Last edited by Vydunas; 04-07-2013 at 01:07 AM.
Reply:Originally Posted by VydunasAnyone got any info on Hobart's 7018AC 1/8?I should mention that I have no experience with it at all, I was forced to buy it more or less since my welder isn't really up to snuff for 5/32.