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welding rods

5K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  lakeroadster 
#1 ·
i picked up some 7018 rods didnt notice till i got home that the box had Alloy on the label 7018 i m not a professional welder( i can weld but i dont do as a full time job) just went by the number i know 7018 iknow they come in different sizes i think its 5/32 is a hotter rod but this place had rows of rods 6011 6013 etc when i saw the 7018 i just grabbed a box. i have to weld spring hangers on my trailer i hate to drive the 35 miles to this place unless i have to :confused:
 
#2 ·
The 7018 is a structural rod and should work great for what you want to do.

Most people that don't weld often like to use 6011's because they start easier but won't be as strong a weld. We call 6011's "farmer rods" typically because it can weld through rust and paint better and it's what all the farmers use. It just doesn't have the same strength as a 7018.

An 1/8" or 3/32" rod would work better for lighter material but the 5/32" will do what you need to do.

6013 rods are generally used for a root weld on pipe before the final passes with a 7018 rod.
 
#7 ·
You are right about everything but the 6013 rod. It lays a pretty bead, but works best in a flat position and doesn't fill gaps easily. The best rod for a root weld especially on pipe is 6010. It is an all position rod and has great penetration and cleans easily.
 
#4 ·
the best 7018 on the market right now is the Lincoln electric Excalibur rod. The reason 7018 is so widely used is the versatility of it. One rod for all positions. For beginning or not very good welders they'll love the 7014 and 7024, but once you get good and familiar with welding you'll prefer 7018.
 
#11 ·
i understand that, but these rods must be junk the box says alloy mild carbon steel .i went to lowes and bought some others and they work great, i could not get the others to start. box says 55-120 amps and they would stick and turn red never had that problem before bought them at fazzio's steel yard, same price except they came in a plastic box
 
#14 ·
Yea. You get a little moisture into them, and they will stick bad. Stick them in an oven. I had almost 5 pounds of Hobart 7018's get damp just from sitting in a plastic welding rod box ( rods shipped in it ) that did not seal all the way.. Few mins in the garage oven and they were back working again
 
#15 ·
what are you using for a welding machine ac or dc? makes a difference which 7018 you use.

Have some rod that got damp and need to use it anyway? Not the best solution but it works and is fast and keeps a field repair going. stick the electrode for a couple seconds until it starts to steam. set it aside and let it cool. now weld with it. great job for an apprentice to do to keep the welder welding when mother nature has pissed all over the rod the apprentice left in the rain.
 
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