rod ovens -- necessary?

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My question is: is a rod oven necessary for properly storing 7018 and other low hydrogen rods, or is it something that "should" be done, but isn't really necessary.  Everything I've ever read says that the rods must be used up within 12 hours of opening the hermetically sealed container, or stored at 350 degrees; I've never read anything that said it is OK to store LH rods in an old refrigerator with a 100 watt light bulb in it.  I know that I can tell the difference between fresh rods and one day old rods and three day old rods.The reason I ask is that I sometimes find myself working on a ship or for a business that doesn't have a rod oven. When I bring up the fact that we should have an oven, I always get "well, it would be nice to have one, but you don't really need one". These aren't welders I'm talking to.I'm planning on hitting up the guy I'm doing work for for an oven (again), and I just want to make sure: is it necessary for quality LH welds, or is it just a nicety.
Reply:If you are welding to any code and inspectors will come to see your work they will want to see your rod storage.  They will not pass welds if they suspect the rods were not stored properly.   At least a heater of some sort in a storage cabinet is better than nothing.  If you are working near the ocean this is very important.
Reply:I'm pretty much on the ocean here, and it's south Florida so the humidity is generally about 80% or more.
Reply:Originally Posted by lotechmanIf you are welding to any code and inspectors will come to see your work they will want to see your rod storage.  They will not pass welds if they suspect the rods were not stored properly.   At least a heater of some sort in a storage cabinet is better than nothing.  If you are working near the ocean this is very important.