[BurninRod]

hey guys just a quick question on 7018, what would make it spit and sputter and not catch a good arc?
dono if my rod got wet or what but even runnin flat that shit just keeps dropping fuckin dingleberries and not making a solid arc.
wasn't having this problem at all 2 weeks ago.
no rust or slag on the metal im welding.
heat is fine
it's also sticking like a son of a bitch.
i've used 7018 for years and never had problems like this so im getting really irritated.
it's ground through some grease but i wiggledit around and stuck it good and tight. was using 6010 and that was running like a dream so
i don't think it's the ground.
any thoughts would be great

[GWD]

Try putting several pieces in your oven for an hour at 350+ degrees. That should tell you if they got wet. Apparently, they can just absorb humidity.

You could also try buying a small amount of 7018 and see if the problem continues with the fresh rod.

[anthonyfawley]

either wet rod or try grinding and cleaning a bit where your grounding. hope this helps.

Anthony

[torn7th]

99% they got damp or wet . Also and not being a smartass by anymeans but always have a CLEAN ground. 7018's are bad if theyve gotten wet...You want real bad try a 6011 thats absorbed moisture..Yeah might as well set off a roman candle lol

[robertnz]

that answers my question.... wet flux.....

[Otto Nobedder]

Let's hope it's wet flux.

I've actually welded with visibly wet 7018 and didn't have any real trouble. I suspect it's possible the machine has a bad diode. Take GWD's advice and dry some rod in the oven. If this doesn't solve the problem, suspect the machine. A bad diode wouldn't have a very noticable effect with 6010. I've even welded that rod on an AC machine like 6011, and it didn't perform poorly.

Good luck,

Steve

[Greg From K/W]

How old is it? If its really old like Moses it could have lost its glue.

[harleyotto]

that answers my question too,i can't solve it

[jpence38]

What kind of machine are you runnin" ? One time I forgot to switch my leads on my Trailblazer from mig to stick and was stick welding on CV instead of CC and it was similar to what you described.

[m_a_r_c_u_s]

Check to make sure you aren't running on straight polarity DCEN instead of reverse DCEP, it will cause a sputtering in 7018 and will gouge. its an easy mistake and can happen when setting up in a hurry. just another thought.