7018 AC Electrodes

admin

I used some 7018 AC electrodes a few years ago and to say the least I was not impressed. Just curious  if the 7018 AC has improved over the years. If so, who makes a good 7018 AC?  I'd  like to use DCRP but I'm restricted in using an AC buzz box.
Reply:If I have to use AC and I want to run a smooth weld in all positions, I opt for the E-7014. It does costs more and I have never seen it use for structural or pressure code work.
Reply:I've seen issues with box store 7018. The boxes often sit on the shelves for long periods of time and it's not uncommon for people to open packages and the rods pick up moisture. If I need 7018 I usually get it from the LWS. I know they turn over rod at a regular pace and the boxes stay sealed. If for some reason they get opened or damaged, they get marked down and disposed of. Don't really use AC much since I have DC available. I also try and use 7014 for a lot of things since it doesn't have the storage/moisture issues 7018 does..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Unless it came from a sealed CAN, the 7018 probably was exposed to moisture in the air.  Even straight from a 'new' carton or box, it's not sealed.  Plastic wrap, even intact, around a cardboard or plastic box/tube isn't 'sealed'.  There is (sometimes or often) a little note in tiny print to that effect somewhere on the product label or literature.  Grrrr.Which means that a complete rebake is needed.  How many 'little' guys have a rebake oven, never mind a rod-storage oven?Sealed can, or use something that is not low hydrogen.  Or get a rod rebake and storage oven.    I think it is David R here at WW who says something like he likes his '7018 fresh from the oven'.  And he's not kidding.  The best laid schemes ... Gang oft agley ...
Reply:i am completely mobile and i run a small (6.5kg capacity) single phase rod rebake and storage oven  off my engine drive for when i use 4818 or 4916 rods. it cost me about $300 from a welding store but i reckon you can get them cheaper if you have the time to trawl the web.
Reply:DID SOMEONE SAY 7018 AC?????I just happened to use a bunch on the feeder I just built.I wanted to use it because I didn't care to clean the metal, and I wanted instant restrike for all the short welds that had to be done.  It works beautifully over rusted metal.  High amp range around 135-140amps , 1/8 rod.Made by LINCOLN ELECTRIC Attached Images"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I bought some McKay 7018AC for a buddy with a buzz box and he loved it."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:farmersamm,     Your beads look nice but would you want your starts and stops on the sides rather then on the corners.
Reply:Originally Posted by Jay Ofarmersamm,     Your beads look nice but would you want your starts and stops on the sides rather then on the corners.
Reply:I have ran ESAB Atom Arc 7018 AC and was very pleased with them. They run nice on DC+ as well.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I use E7018AC.  I got a Phoenix DryRod Type 2 portable oven for $30 from a shop that was shutting down one of their facilities though.  I'm still looking at getting one of the bench ovens (probably the Phoenix Type 15B) just so that I can store a larger quantity of rods in the shop while using the little one for transport.--Wintermute"No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience." - John Lockewww.improvised-engineering.comManufacturer Agnostic:Blood----------Sweat---------Tears----|------------------|----------------|----Lincoln Red, Miller Blue, Esab Yellow
Reply:An electric roaster oven is what I always used on small jobs. Passed code and x-rays on  STATE highway bridge beam resection. The inspector was present during the whole job.lincoln sa200 redfacehobart handler 140dodge 3500 duallycatalina 22 sailboat89' jeep cherokee 4x4