Rods to have on hand... which ones?

So I'm stocking up, as most things coming my way won't be obvious till they get here, and LWS are closed weekends (my shop-time).

So the 200DX doesn't like E6010, how about 6011, 6013, 7014, 7018? I love 7018, but unless I can find a decent oven that won't spin my utility meter, having any quantity on hand is out for a while (working on a low vacuum storage device, may be a future posted project, pull vacuum and seal, or vacuum then argon fill)

What would you have on hand? 1/16, 3/32, 1/8 in one or all three, any others?

I'm stocking up on TIG supplies too, 1/16, 3/32 ER70S2 on hand, as well as 023 and 030 ER70S6 MIG wire (brand name), picking up some 4043 and 5356 in those same sizes this week. Stainless, silicon bronze, aluminum bronze, etc. will have to wait for another paycheck or two.

And remember, I'm not a noob, just rusty. It's been a few years since I was in the USN, and what I did there was strictly regulated, so there wasn't an 'on hand' supply for fixing mowers, trailers, car parts, etc. to figure out.

I can't speak on the stick part but you may want to add 308 and 309 stainless filler for tig.

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Originally Posted by zoama585

I can't speak on the stick part but you may want to add 308 and 309 stainless filler for tig.

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Yup, actually 308, 309, and 316 (most of my stainless work is medical grade product in 316l). Those cost more than I have on hand and I need to knock some rust off my TIG skills before jumping in there.

I keep a pile of stuff on hand, but the basics I'd say are 6011's for general repair and tacking, 6013's or 7014's for sheetmetal and thinner stuff, I use 308SS rods for disimilar or unknown ferrous metals, your higher end (316's)SS rods work fine too but the 308's are fairly inexpensive. Put "maintainance rod' on the label and prices goes up at least 3x. S/F.....Ken M

Been a while since I used stick but for general use I have 6013. 1/8" or 3/16"

Just a heads up unless you are using a lot of rod I bought a few of these plastic canisters. They are larger than a can of tennis balls. Red plastic and have a screw top with a rubber gasket. I toss in a pack of desiccant that I got when I got something in the mail and they have been good for many many years. I bet they hold 5lbs or so. I picked them up at the welding store. I use 2 for the stick rods (2 different kinds) and one for brazing rods. You can even write on the outside of them with a marker.

I know you are hearing a lot of talk about reconditioning rods, but if they are sealed or not getting them used from some old timer you shouldn't have a problem. Yea you can get a better deal buying a 100lbs at a time but are you going to use that much??? Unless you keep them in the rain or doing mil spec stuff rods should be good for several years at least. More if you store them in the containers like I mentioned.

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Originally Posted by Brian Ski

Been a while since I used stick but for general use I have 6013. 1/8" or 3/16"

Just a heads up unless you are using a lot of rod I bought a few of these plastic canisters. They are larger than a can of tennis balls. Red plastic and have a screw top with a rubber gasket. I toss in a pack of desiccant that I got when I got something in the mail and they have been good for many many years. I bet they hold 5lbs or so. I picked them up at the welding store. I use 2 for the stick rods (2 different kinds) and one for brazing rods. You can even write on the outside of them with a marker.

I know you are hearing a lot of talk about reconditioning rods, but if they are sealed or not getting them used from some old timer you shouldn't have a problem. Yea you can get a better deal buying a 100lbs at a time but are you going to use that much??? Unless you keep them in the rain or doing mil spec stuff rods should be good for several years at least. More if you store them in the containers like I mentioned.

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Being in FL, with the humidity and constant rain, 7018's would be a headache. I'm only talking a few to 10lbs of each on hand. Those dessicant packs, well, they're as thirsty or less thirsty than the flux coating on rods that are affected. Like trying to dry carpet with a towel, at a certain point, you'll hit an even mix, probably not as low as you want.

May not be doing mil-spec work, but that's where I learned (USN HT) and I'm a bit of perfectionist. I'm looking to avoid the re-conditioning, I'd rather store proper to begin with, or as close to it as possible without an oven.

Try 7018ac they are not affected by moisture the same as regular 7018.
I always keep one extra roll of mig wire.
3/32 & 1/8 7018ac, 7014, because I use it the most. I have some 5/32 rods. 6011 and 6013 I keep some of those.

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Originally Posted by Trip59

Being in FL, with the humidity and constant rain, 7018's would be a headache. I'm only talking a few to 10lbs of each on hand. Those dessicant packs, well, they're as thirsty or less thirsty than the flux coating on rods that are affected. Like trying to dry carpet with a towel, at a certain point, you'll hit an even mix, probably not as low as you want.

May not be doing mil-spec work, but that's where I learned (USN HT) and I'm a bit of perfectionist. I'm looking to avoid the re-conditioning, I'd rather store proper to begin with, or as close to it as possible without an oven.

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Yea I am the humid zone here... Midwest. Even the tools in the garage can get a coat or rust. That is why I like those rod holders... Try this link. I am not endorsing these guys. This is just a quick link I found. Mine are very close to this but red.

http://www.weldingsuppliesfromioc.co...ECTRODE/Detail

I think this is the best way to store. I usually open it up take a couple rods out and reseal. I also pitch or keep on the bench the used rods.

I couldn't help but look at harbor freight for those rod storage containers. Seems pretty cheap at $4.99. Maybe not built as stout, but has a gasket. I've never used them, but if I can get in the store I will check them out. http://www.harborfreight.com/welding...per-46477.html

ken

This has been asked many times before.

6010 is not really a rod you will use a lot and the unit will do it if you can do it. More of a you thing...

6011, 6013 and 7018 are probably all you need. On SS 308 (I use 316) but it all works well.. Then get the diameter based on the metal thickness.

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Originally Posted by KSmith

I couldn't help but look at harbor freight for those rod storage

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I have a couple of these, and they are fine as long as you thread the top on squarely. Northern has an identical one, but the want like $15 for it.

Cheers
Mike

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Originally Posted by Trip59

So I'm stocking up, as most things coming my way won't be obvious till they get here, and LWS are closed weekends (my shop-time).

So the 200DX doesn't like E6010, how about 6011, 6013, 7014, 7018? I love 7018, but unless I can find a decent oven that won't spin my utility meter, having any quantity on hand is out for a while (working on a low vacuum storage device, may be a future posted project, pull vacuum and seal, or vacuum then argon fill)

What would you have on hand? 1/16, 3/32, 1/8 in one or all three, any others?

I'm stocking up on TIG supplies too, 1/16, 3/32 ER70S2 on hand, as well as 023 and 030 ER70S6 MIG wire (brand name), picking up some 4043 and 5356 in those same sizes this week. Stainless, silicon bronze, aluminum bronze, etc. will have to wait for another paycheck or two.

And remember, I'm not a noob, just rusty. It's been a few years since I was in the USN, and what I did there was strictly regulated, so there wasn't an 'on hand' supply for fixing mowers, trailers, car parts, etc. to figure out.

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I’ve read that 6010 is a bust as well although I've used a lot of it with my old Miller dinosaur Thunderbolt ... I have always liked 6011 and 6013 and already have some in stock … 7018 is good if it’s fresh. Since I bought my 200DX mostly for the AC TIG portion I’m going to stock up on 308, 316 and aluminum mainly … I have a couple years’ worth of DC TIG experience but AC is my latest challenge so as far as that goes I guess I am a NOOB but not when it comes to welding in general been doing it for about a decade … started with a stick welder and old school helmet … you know … blind strike, I thought I’d died and gone to heaven first time I used an auto darken. Main thing my friend, I hope we both enjoy our new 200DX’s as much as I think we will.

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Originally Posted by posixPilot

I have a couple of these, and they are fine as long as you thread the top on squarely. Northern has an identical one, but the want like $15 for it.

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You know, I keep seeing those, look at them for a bit and keep walking because I don't know if they are any good and figure that surely I have something at home that would do. Nice to hear from someone who's used them because I still haven't found anything at home that would do better and need to buy some rods soon.

Just read the reviews on this rod holder. One person says they only hold 5 pounds of rods. I thought they were bigger than that(?)

Thanks for feedback on this.

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Originally Posted by undercut

You know, I keep seeing those, look at them for a bit and keep walking because I don't know if they are any good and figure that surely I have something at home that would do. Nice to hear from someone who's used them because I still haven't found anything at home that would do better and need to buy some rods soon.

Just read the reviews on this rod holder. One person says they only hold 5 pounds of rods. I thought they were bigger than that(?)

Thanks for feedback on this.

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I bought a bunch here www.atlweldingsupply.com/ could not find the link. But they were $5 at the time, not sure if a sale. Like Winky said thread them straight, also snug so the o-ring seals. I have a small rod over that doubles as a small power cost oven, handy there too.

Most of my Lincoln rods come in the fairly tight pringles type cans, which I save and use for other rods. I do use the plastic type containers for TIG filler, which comes from my LWS in bulk, unpackaged unless you buy 50lbs at a time. S/F......Ken M

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Originally Posted by undercut

Just read the reviews on this rod holder. One person says they only hold 5 pounds of rods. I thought they were bigger than that.

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I would say that is probably true, but it also depends on the size of rod ... 10# of 1/8" rod consumes more volume than 10# of 1/16" rod. I usually buy the Hobart 5# rod, since that is what Northern carries, and they come in these tight sealing plastic cases. I use the rod holder for anything that comes in cardboard like those cheap 1# Forney rods.

Cheers
Mike

Thanks everyone for their input. I also noticed the Harbor Freight variety is on a modest sale at the moment. Will check out next week!

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Originally Posted by undercut

You know, I keep seeing those, look at them for a bit and keep walking because I don't know if they are any good and figure that surely I have something at home that would do. Nice to hear from someone who's used them because I still haven't found anything at home that would do better and need to buy some rods soon.

Just read the reviews on this rod holder. One person says they only hold 5 pounds of rods. I thought they were bigger than that(?)

Thanks for feedback on this.

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The ones I got were from the LWS they were very heavy duty. Maybe a 3" id. I would have to measure. Sure don't have a belt clip on them. I would think they would be pretty heavy for that. They seal great and the lids screw on really well. I don't think you could cross thread them if you tried.

FWIW, the Lincoln 7018 that Home Depot sells held up really well for several years and I didn't take care of it at all. It is probably the AC variety (don't have the box anymore) and I do live in dry country, so YMMV.

A couple pounds of hardfacing rod is quite handy to have on hand too, just in case you need to slap a wear surface on something.

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Originally Posted by redbeard

FWIW, the Lincoln 7018 that Home Depot sells held up really well for several years and I didn't take care of it at all. It is probably the AC variety (don't have the box anymore) and I do live in dry country, so YMMV.

A couple pounds of hardfacing rod is quite handy to have on hand too, just in case you need to slap a wear surface on something.

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7018/6011 1/8th or 3/32 whichever you prefer. get off of the lo hi degradation from moisture rant. it's not about to make any difference to anyone here. i've used stuff, as recently as this week that was several years old without issue and no, it was not AC rod.

pick up five pounds and keep it in the mfg's container. that's what i keep on the truck. my lincoln rods come in rectangular plastic containers.

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Originally Posted by fdcmiami

7018/6011 1/8th or 3/32 whichever you prefer. get off of the lo hi degradation from moisture rant. it's not about to make any difference to anyone here. i've used stuff, as recently as this week that was several years old without issue and no, it was not AC rod.

pick up five pounds and keep it in the mfg's container. that's what i keep on the truck. my lincoln rods come in rectangular plastic containers.

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Not sure what it is about my post that you consider a rant :confused:, since people have expressed concerns over moisture, I was just stating the rod that I had good luck with and the conditions I stored it under. I kept mine in the mfg's container too, it was a cardboard box. I could pick up a half stick that I left hanging in the stinger for a month, flip the switch and go with no issues. Wish I could say the same for the Hobart 7018 I have now; half a stick left out overnight and the flux practically falls off when you touch it, so my own personal experience suggests that there is a difference. Not all 7018s are created equal.

I get people that will have, for example, a MIG welding glove stuffed full of rods they will hand me after a welding project. They bought them, could not weld (returned the lincoln hahaha and stuck with the gloves and rods). They figured pass them to us. Stick is not a major thing here unless we are teaching.

We use them as is for the kids to learn. If you are a good stick welder, you will fine open box rod generally will work just fine. Have a friend with an open pole barn in humid Florida and cases of 6013. They look like 50 years old. We use them.

I keep mine in the orange containers myself. There is a difference, but nothing that major if you do a lot of stick welding.

Also, was at HF today. They had them, the MMA ER holders on sale for $4.99 each. Same price I paid at atlweldingsupply.

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Originally Posted by redbeard

Not sure what it is about my post that you consider a rant :confused:, since people have expressed concerns over moisture, I was just stating the rod that I had good luck with and the conditions I stored it under. I kept mine in the mfg's container too, it was a cardboard box. I could pick up a half stick that I left hanging in the stinger for a month, flip the switch and go with no issues. Wish I could say the same for the Hobart 7018 I have now; half a stick left out overnight and the flux practically falls off when you touch it, so my own personal experience suggests that there is a difference. Not all 7018s are created equal.

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your post was the one that i agreed with. no need for over the top precautions with 7018, it holds up fine out of the box. sorry you misunderstood.

I figure I'll store my 7018s in the original tin but either near the furnace during the winter or near the pilot light of the water heater during the summer. I'll bake them before use. Not doing anything critical but it's a good habit thing for me and I won't know how long it will be before I use the whole lot up.

I was thinking about getting a toaster oven that could double as a powder coat oven. Not sure if I want to go that way as most stuff I'd want to powder coat would probably be a lot bigger! ;)

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Originally Posted by fdcmiami

your post was the one that i agreed with. no need for over the top precautions with 7018, it holds up fine out of the box. sorry you misunderstood.

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Simple misunderstanding, no worries.

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Originally Posted by undercut

I figure I'll store my 7018s in the original tin but either near the furnace during the winter or near the pilot light of the water heater during the summer. I'll bake them before use. Not doing anything critical but it's a good habit thing for me and I won't know how long it will be before I use the whole lot up.

I was thinking about getting a toaster oven that could double as a powder coat oven. Not sure if I want to go that way as most stuff I'd want to powder coat would probably be a lot bigger! ;)

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Either that or make it kiln that the wife can do stuff with too. Extra brownie points galore!

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Originally Posted by redbeard

FWIW, the Lincoln 7018 that Home Depot sells held up really well for several years and I didn't take care of it at all. It is probably the AC variety (don't have the box anymore) and I do live in dry country, so YMMV.

A couple pounds of hardfacing rod is quite handy to have on hand too, just in case you need to slap a wear surface on something.

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Good call on the hardfacing. Higher end (316) SS rods can sometimes do an acceptable job, with their high chrome and nickel content. S/F....Ken M

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Originally Posted by redbeard

Either that or make it kiln that the wife can do stuff with too. Extra brownie points galore!

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She's got a kiln... nice large one, 18x24 octagon with a kiln-sitter. Costs too much to use as a rod oven :)

Might think about a small one for glass annealing though, been wanting one for a few years.

Pick up an Old Fridge and put in a 60 Watt light bulb
Keeps the humidity out
I use the same setup to dry Cupels before Conditioning Firing (Takes 3-4 weeks from wet to dry) otherwise they explode @ 600'C

For the stick, Some 6011 is good to have for general welding, 7018 is great for high strength steels,( you can move up in strength 8018 9018 10018 ect) might keep some Nickle rod for cast repair. 3/32" rod size for 12 ga steel or less, 1/8" for 10 ga and sizes larger.

If you plan on doing any hard surfacing there are a variety of products out there also.

For mig 030 and 035 ER70S2 will do just about anything you need, 023 is good if you plan on doing thin auto body sheet metal also

For Tig i now keep 1/16", 3/32" ,309L ,316L Stainless, 4043 1/16", 3/32" and 5356 3/32" for Aluminum , 3/32 bare silicon bronze, ER70S2 1/16" 3/32" for steel

For Storage you can keep it in containers if you are in a high humidity climate , you could store it in and old fridge or cabinet with a small light bulb. If not try to keep it on a bench off the floor that will help it last also.

You can send me a PM i think we have some extra 10 pound boxes of 308L 309L 316L 3/32 stainless tig rod, might also have some stick available.

The Hobart MIG I have will run 023, it's what I normally have loaded, I also have some 030 on hand, but it's only a 125 so the 035 hasn't really found a place.

I have 1/16 and 3/32 ER70S2 (or was it 6... it's early) for the TIG, plan on picking up the same in 308L, 309L and 316L for sure, as well as 4043 and 5356.

Picked up a 10lb of 6013 or 6014 last week for a job, I'd rather the 7018 but no oven yet.