7018 ac welding rods 3/32

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I am going to use 7018 hobart welding rods for a project & these rods have been in a box for about 8 months.The box has been opened but do i need to heat rods for awhile before using.I have a toaster oven would this be good enough to heat rods in if so what temp & how long do i need to heat. These rods have been kept in the box inside.  Thanks for your help
Reply:Your rods (electrodes ) might work o k , but I suggest you dry them out in a friends' oven IN an ELECTRIC stove . Try about 350 degrees for about an hour (preheat oven UP to temp FIRST). With A C , you need every advantage you can get .[SIZE="5"Yardbird"
Reply:Depends on what you're building.  If you're just holding noncritical stuff together, you can use them as-is.If you NEED a low-hydrogen electrode, then you need to buy fresh ones.
Reply:Book sez 300 for 2 hours for non x ray welds.They will work as is, but try some dried, they do work better.  Try 70 yo 90 amps.Have funDavid Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Hobart 7018 are great rods.  If the flux coating hasn't absorbed too much moisture (white fuzzy stuff on flux) they should work ok.  If you are reluctant because they have been sitting around awhile, dry them.