Welding Tips and Tricks

I do some repair work most weeks in the afternoons and Saturdays. Mostly stick welding. I was wondering if I should consider getting a rod oven. I usually buy my rods by the 10lb box an go through them within a couple weeks at least. They're always in the back of my 4runner unless I'm working. I keep the sleeve over them except for when I'm getting more rods out also. I had a little trouble out of some the other week but couldn't say for sure it was because they weren't put in an oven. Thanks for any advice.

What kind of rods are you using?

7018 1/8. I get mine from Praxair. Whatever their store brand is called. They burn pretty good.

Generally it is best to follow the rod manufacturer's storage instructions on the pack for all rods. For your 7018 rods (which are hydrogen controlled rods) the instructions will likely be store between 100*C and 120*C (212*F and 248*F) soon after opening the new sealed pack. Rods un-stored can be reconditioned once or twice by baking at about 300*C (572*F) for at least an hour and then returned to the storage hot box.

Consequence of not storing 7018 rods correctly is high hydrogen contamination in your welds with possible hydrogen assisted cold cracking. The quality of the deposited welds will be approximately equal to 6013 rods. If that is all you need (fencing, gates etc) then don't worry about the hot box. If you need 7018 strength and quality you must have correct storage.

This subject has been discussed regularly here, many threads can be found with the search tool.

Just to reveal my ignorance, I had no idea. I knew about storing them but didn't know about them losing strength if not stored. I do need 7018 strength but sometimes not so thanks for the advice. Hadn't seen the other threads either. I appreciate it.

If you get 7014s you can get the strength without having to worry about moisture pick up.

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I don't worry about moisture with 7018s.....
I don't weld nucluar subs and I don't think you do either.

I use the plastic rod containers with a rubber ring to seal the cap because I get my rod in 50 # cans and then divide it up. Only had trouble one time but it was 100 % humidity and I left a big can open all day before I got it in the tubes.

AKweldshop wrote:I don't worry about moisture with 7018s.....
I don't weld nucluar subs and I don't think you do either.

7018's aren't strong enough to weld nuclear subs anyways!

Pressure hull (HY-80) is 11018
Non pressure hull is 8018

What's wrong with welding boats that are made to sink?

We've got about 25 unopened packets of HY 80 (among others) welding rods at work. Still sealed in a heated room. From work on the Collins Class subs many years back.

weldin mike 27 wrote:We've got about 25 unopened packets of HY 80 (among others) welding rods at work. Still sealed in a heated room. From work on the Collins Class subs many years back.

Mike

I used to work with an NDI tech on F-111's, he was involved with the inspections on HMAS Collins, he mentioned he found HANDFULLS of welding rods welded over on the front dome of the pressure hull, the 300mm thick bit, courtesy of Kokums.
Did you have anything to do with the repair?

That's shameful. We only made hatches and things that we sent to Adelaide. It was before my time. Although I know a guy who claims to be a ex submarine welder, and he's a total lemon. So the story has some merit. Lol

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7018 is an amazing rod. You wouldn’t believe what gets built here in the North West with out tents.

How do you know I don't weld submarines? I think it would be pretty cool though. Still not sure why I was having some trouble with the rods. I don't really think they got moisture to them but thanks for all the advice. I may just start getting 7014's instead if I have any more trouble.

I wish I could remember where the video is. Somebody showed an x ray video of microscopic movement of hydrogen in a weld. In the video hydrogen molecules escape the molten weld and form a layer at the surface of the non melted workpiece. Instead of fusion, you appear to have a layer of Pam preventing stick down. Obviously I'm exaggerating, but a weakened bond might adversely affect a stressed weld.