Choosing a 7018 rod

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I'm trying to get stocked up so I can start practicing with my new (old) syncro 250. At the training center I used the Lincoln Excalibur 7018's and realy liked them but can't remember the spacific type. I was searching online for them but I'm not sure which would be best for general welding. Looks likes there are several available;Excalibur 7018 MR --  AWS class E7018H4RExcalibur 7018 MRN --AWS class E7018Excalibur 7018 1-MR-- AWS class E7018 1 H4RI was using the 1/8 electrodes on 1/4" plate and enjoyed using them. Any suggestions?Gizzmo
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmoI'm trying to get stocked up so I can start practicing with my new (old) syncro 250. At the training center I used the Lincoln Excalibur 7018's and realy liked them but can't remember the spacific type. I was searching online for them but I'm not sure which would be best for general welding. Looks likes there are several available;Excalibur 7018 MR --  AWS class E7018H4RExcalibur 7018 MRN --AWS class E7018Excalibur 7018 1-MR-- AWS class E7018 1 H4RI was using the 1/8 electrodes on 1/4" plate and enjoyed using them. Any suggestions?Gizzmo
Reply:Theat second ref is excelent! I'll be using that one thanks!GizzmoLast edited by gizzmo; 07-18-2013 at 07:08 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmoTheat second ref is excelent! I'll be using that one thanks!Gizzmo
Reply:The regular Excalibur 7018MR are good for most general-purpose welding and are available everywhere. ESAB Atom Arc Acclaim are also quite good.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:ESAB ok-55 best rod you'll ever use.
Reply:I prefer the ESAB Atom Arc 7018.  The other brands seem to pick up moisture quicker.Beck's Welding and Fabrication, Inc.-Misc. Metals Fabrication & Installation-
Reply:Excalibur has the best puddle visibility I've seen so far.  Lots of slag to demarcate the puddle, and show build height.  I'd rate it best for older guys who are starting to have trouble seeing the puddle let alone ANYTHING ELSE  (Me)"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:asking opinions is a good start, but you wont know what you like till you try it on our own machine..the rod that burns nice for me may suck for you..
Reply:Well I took a ride out to the surplus steel place today and purchased 50 lbs of the excalibur electrodes for $50.-- still sealed in the can. I thought it a good price for the 1/8 . The  worker said they were expecting some ESAB's in soon so I'll have to check back. I'm sure they will be just fine for practice but I do want to get a feel for what works best.Gizzmo
Reply:$1/lb for Lincoln Excalibur is an excellent price. In my area, Excalibur is one of the most expensive 7018 rods available. Thats why I usually buy Air Liquide blue shield or Esab Ok 55 7018 rod.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmoWell I took a ride out to the surplus steel place today and purchased 50 lbs of the excalibur electrodes for $50.-- still sealed in the can. I thought it a good price for the 1/8 . The  worker said they were expecting some ESAB's in soon so I'll have to check back. I'm sure they will be just fine for practice but I do want to get a feel for what works best.Gizzmo
Reply:Like any surplus/liquidator you have to watch the prices. This was a huge place. I only covered half of it in 2 hrs.I also grabbed some 1/4 steel , plates and brackets for  $ 0.40/lb to practice on ,new insulated welding gloves and a used but clean jacket $7.00 ea. Gotta watch it though,I could go broke in that place!Gizzmo
Reply:Originally Posted by gizzmoLike any surplus/liquidator you have to watch the prices. This was a huge place. I only covered half of it in 2 hrs.I also grabbed some 1/4 steel , plates and brackets for  $ 0.40/lb to practice on ,new insulated welding gloves and a used but clean jacket $7.00 ea. Gotta watch it though,I could go broke in that place!Gizzmo
Reply:I used atom arc today.  Samm is correct, Excalibur definitely has better puddle definition.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproe$1/lb for Lincoln Excalibur is an excellent price. In my area, Excalibur is one of the most expensive 7018 rods available. Thats why I usually buy Air Liquide blue shield or Esab Ok 55 7018 rod.