7018 AC; good rod

[jklingel]

Just an FYI, in case there are other frustrated buzz box owners out there. I just learned about 7018 AC electrodes, made specifically for running 7018 on AC machines. After making the "normal" 7018 run OK-poorly on AC for years, I was quite pleased w/ this "new" development. The stuff runs as smooth as I ever ran 7018 on DC.

[george4]

Does the AC require oven storage?

[trainer]

I've used it and it does need to be kept sealed and dry like regular 7018.
Personally, I like 7014 for general use and 7024 for flat position. I've also got a box of 6011 for rusty stuff and repairs, and some 6013 for lighter gauge.

My welder is an ancient Lincoln AC-180 tombstone.

[jklingel]

I've haven't used 7014 since welding on self-dumping hoppers in Ohio, and don't recall exactly why we were to use that rod. Is it lo-hy, like 7018? I haven't read the technical stuff about 7018 for a long time, (hence have forgotten what the "8" refers to, vs the "4" in 7014) but every time something heat-treated, or slightly alloyed was to be welded, someone said "Get the 7018". Our foreman (at one shop) always said to use 7018 to weld rebar, too, as it is apparently pretty crappy stuff; lots of slag, etc, and not the greatest quality control on what is in it. So I've been told.

[george4]

I've haven't used 7014 since welding on self-dumping hoppers in Ohio, and don't recall exactly why we were to use that rod. Is it lo-hy, like 7018? I haven't read the technical stuff about 7018 for a long time, (hence have forgotten what the "8" refers to, vs the "4" in 7014) but every time something heat-treated, or slightly alloyed was to be welded, someone said "Get the 7018". Our foreman (at one shop) always said to use 7018 to weld rebar, too, as it is apparently pretty crappy stuff; lots of slag, etc, and not the greatest quality control on what is in it. So I've been told.

I do not believe 7014 is a lo-hy. Generally the last two digits indicate the coating and welding current to be used. For example the 14 in 7014 inidicates AC, DC- or DC+, the third digit alone indicates position, a 1 indicates all position. The first two digits indicate tensile strength, 70 indicates 70,000 psi.

[dxdexter]

Does the AC require oven storage?

I've used it and it does need to be kept sealed and dry like regular 7018.
Personally, I like 7014 for general use and 7024 for flat position. I've also got a box of 6011 for rusty stuff and repairs, and some 6013 for lighter gauge.

My welder is an ancient Lincoln AC-180 tombstone.

I always store my rods between the air plenum's of my forced hot air furnace. I keep them wrapped and have never had any problems with moisture.