How to Select Rods for Arc Welding - Kevin Caron

[ColtDeltaElite10mm]

@kevin... Yeah 3/32" is next size smaller than 1/8". Pretty much for the home fabricator, nobody uses anything larger than 1/8". Also, 7018 rod goes "bad" with moisture out of the box in as little as 8 hrs. Many welding job site specs call for 7018 to be out of the rod heater NO LONGER than 4 hrs max. Otherwise, the welder can be fired if he's caught using 7018 that has sat out longer.

[kevincaron]

@MontySprings I believe it likes positive the best and ac even more than dc. 

[kevincaron]

@MontySprings Cool!! Thanks for the tip.

[robotmotor]

great exp;enation thanks alot i love your video great sir add it to my favorite you help me alot thank you

[kevincaron]

@robotmotor You are welcome my friend.

stop by when you get the chance. We update about once a week..

[bjensen5]

Nice video Kevin and Co.

[sbjennings99]

Great Informational Video...

[spelunkerd]

How long can you expect welding rods to last on the shelf? Is there a difference in shelf life comparing these different rods? Do you keep any in the cooler to prolong life? I always struggled with low hydrogen 7018, mainly because it was harder to start and it seemed I needed more current. Does it help to do 7018 using a DC technique?

[kevincaron]

@spelunkerd Welding rod will last a very long time if it is kept dry. Pretty much anywhere but Arizona you should store your rod in a watertight container at the least. Most welder will store the rod in a dry box near the welder so it is at hand. You can make a dry box just by putting a low wattage light bulb in a metal box. Yes, it needs to be hooked up and just leave it on all the time. You may have to go higher watt\age depending on your location.

[huerdon]

Yeah, mine is the next size up too - you know what I mean? LOL

[VisorBlue]

Nice informative video, as usual. Good seeing the Lincoln tombstone being used and the differences in the rods.

[lawnguys2]

nice video kevin

[MrJohn714]

Kevin 1/8th is bigger than 3/32!

[kevincaron]

@MrJohn714 Crap!!

You guys know what I mean!!!

[MrJohn714]

@kevincaron I know you knew we knew you knew...he,he,he!

[SuperMajster1]

Hey Kevin. That's one of your best welding videos. But all of your films are great. This is very helpful. Thanks for the advice!

[RouteZeroDesign]

Great vid Kevin and Marry, I have always been put off using my arc welder as I didn't understand the use for all the different rods it came with and so it has sat in it's box since the day I bought it; well no more! I'm going to dig that puppy out tomorrow :)

I would prefer to use MIG or TIG but will an arc welder be okay for welding stainless steel pipe and plate? As I would like to make a strut tower bar for my old 3-series.

[kevincaron]

@RouteZeroDesign Yes it will. Check with your local welding store for some stainless rod.

[RouteZeroDesign]

@kevincaron Thanks Kevin, fingers crossed it goes well.

Again, thanks for your help and your great videos :)

[strube1369]

Thanks guys. Kevin, ya even used the welder I have. And Mary, I didn't have to worry about ya teetering on top of a ladder in this one. As always, good, well presented info.