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(10-16-2012, 05:21 PM)stevec Wrote: I think welding needs frequency or long sessions.
I think that's probably a good portion of my problem. I need to practice consistently and for longer periods per session.
Ed
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If you have had the rods for a while which most hobbyists like myself do and then need to do a quick repair we just grab the rods and start welding. We usually miss one very important step, the rods must be dry, perfectly dry. That is the reason they make rod ovens to keep the rods perfectly dry. A rod oven or storage for rods can be convieniently made using an old bar fridge with a 40 watt bulb inside left on continuously, barring that a couple of hours baking in your wifes oven at 200 to 250F may make all the difference in your welds. This is especially important with 7018 but also with other rods. If you ever get a chance try some ARCTEC rods, they have the equivalent rods to everyone else but they just seem to weld smoother and better for me. tom
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Tom not all rods need to be kept in a rod box, some rods like 6010, 6011, and 6013 don't have to be stored in a rod box/oven. if the rod was shipped in a carboard box no, if it was shipped in a metal can or sealed in plastic yes after opening if not used within 8 hours should be kept in a rod oven.
I have some 6013 I won't tell how old it is that welds today as good as it did the day I bought it.
dallen, proud to be a member of MetalworkingFun Forum since Apr 2012.
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