How to dry out welding rods at home?

Storing Low Hydrogen Electrodes

To ensure optimal performance, low hydrogen electrodes must be kept dry. If you have unopened Lincoln hermetically sealed containers, they offer excellent protection when stored correctly. Once opened, these cans should be kept in a cabinet at temperatures between 250°F - 300°F (120°C - 150°C).

Managing moisture in low hydrogen electrodes is crucial as it can lead to hydrogen-induced cracking, especially in steels with a yield strength of 80,000 psi (550 MPa) or more. Electrodes marked as moisture-resistant are designed to pick up less coating moisture and, if stored properly, will be less prone to such issues, irrespective of the steel’s yield strength. Specific code requirements may suggest different exposure limits than those mentioned.

All low hydrogen electrodes should always be stored properly, even those resistant to moisture. It's advisable to provide standard EXX18 electrodes to welders twice per shift, whereas moisture-resistant types can be left out for up to 9 hours.

If containers are punctured or opened, exposing the electrodes to air for a few days, they may absorb moisture. This can degrade weld quality in several ways:

1. A small amount of moisture can cause porosity, detectable only through x-ray inspection or destructive testing. If the metal's yield strength exceeds 80,000 psi (550 MPa), this may also lead to underbead or weld cracking.
2. A higher amount of moisture results in visible external porosity, internal porosity, excessive slag fluidity, a rough weld surface, and difficult slag removal.
3. Severe moisture absorption can cause weld cracks, underbead cracking, severe porosity, poor weld appearance, and slag issues.

Re-drying Low Hydrogen Electrodes

Correct re-drying helps restore the welding quality of electrodes. The precise re-drying temperature depends on the electrode type and its condition. Generally, one hour at the final specified temperature suffices. Avoid drying electrodes at higher temperatures as several hours at lower temperatures won't match the required specifications.

For electrodes classified as E8018 or higher, it’s recommended to limit re-drying to three one-hour sessions in the 700°F - 800°F (370°C - 430°C) range to minimize oxidation of alloys in the coating, which can affect tensile or impact properties.

Discard any low hydrogen electrode if excessive re-drying makes the coating fragile, causing it to flake or break during welding, or if there’s a noticeable change in handling or arc characteristics like insufficient arc force.

When re-drying electrodes, remove them from the can and spread them out in the oven so that each one reaches the drying temperature. Remember, cardboard can liners char at around 350°F (180°C), potentially damaging nearby electrodes.

Final Re-drying Temperature

Pre-drying E8018, E9018

Condition
Temperature
E7018, E7028
E10018, E11018

Electrodes exposed to air for less than one week; no direct contact with water.
650°F - 750°F (340°C - 400°C) (E7018, E7028)
700°F - 800°F (370°C - 430°C) (E8018, E9018, E10018, E11018)

Electrodes in direct contact with water or exposed to high humidity:
180°F - 220°F (80°C - 105°C)} (E7018, E7028)
650°F - 750°F (340°C - 400°C)} (E8018, E9018, E10018, E11018)
700°F - 800°F (370°C - 430°C)} (E8018, E9018, E10018, E11018)

(1) Pre-dry for 1-2 hours to minimize the risk of coating cracks or oxidation of the alloy coating.
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For Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or stick electrodes, proper storage is crucial to maintain the ability to deposit quality welds. If stick electrodes absorb moisture from the atmosphere, they should be re-dried to restore their performance. Moisture in electrodes can lead to cracking or porosity, and can negatively affect operational characteristics. Unexplained weld cracking or deteriorating arc performance might be due to inadequate storage or re-drying methods.

Follow these guidelines to ensure top-notch weld quality and optimal operational performance from your stick electrodes.

Storing Low Hydrogen Stick Electrodes

Low hydrogen stick electrodes must be dry for optimal performance. Unopened Lincoln hermetically sealed containers provide excellent protection. Once opened, these cans should be stored at 250°F - 300°F (120°C - 150°C).

Pickup of moisture by the coating on low hydrogen stick electrodes can result in hydrogen-induced cracking, especially in steels with a yield strength of 80,000 psi (550 MPa) or higher. Electrodes with an "R" suffix in their AWS classification are more resistant to moisture and, if stored correctly, are less prone to this issue. However, specific code requirements may indicate different exposure limits.

All low hydrogen stick electrodes, including those with an "R" suffix, should be stored properly. Standard EXX18 electrodes should be provided to welders twice per shift, while moisture-resistant types can be exposed for up to 9 hours.

Moisture in opened or punctured containers of low hydrogen electrodes can damage weld quality in several ways:

1. A small amount of moisture can cause porosity. Detection requires x-ray or destructive testing. For metals with a yield strength above 80,000 psi (550 MPa), this can lead to underbead or weld cracking.
2. High moisture levels cause visible external and internal porosity, excessive slag fluidity, rough weld surfaces, difficult slag removal, and cracking.
3. Severe moisture absorption can result in weld cracks, underbead cracking, severe porosity, poor weld appearance, and slag issues.

Redrying Low Hydrogen Stick Electrodes

Correct redrying reinstates the electrodes' ability to deposit quality welds. The right redrying temperature depends on the electrode type and condition.

Generally, one hour at the specified final temperature is sufficient. DO NOT dry electrodes at higher temperatures. Several hours at lower temperatures are not a substitute for the specified requirements.

Electrodes classified as E8018 or higher strength should not be re-dried more than three times for one hour each at 700°F - 800°F (370°C - 430°C). This helps avoid oxidation of alloys in the coating, preserving normal tensile or impact properties.

Discard low hydrogen electrodes if excessive redrying makes the coating fragile, causing it to flake or break during welding or changes handling or arc characteristics.

Remove electrodes from their cans and spread them in the oven so each reaches the drying temperature.

Redrying Conditions - Low Hydrogen Stick Electrodes

Final Redrying Temperature

Condition: Electrodes exposed to air for less than a week;
Pre-drying Temperature(1): Not necessary for this condition;
E7018, E7028: 650°F - 750°F (340°C - 400°C);
E8018, E9018, E10018, E11018: 700°F - 800°F (370°C - 430°C).

Condition: Electrodes in direct contact with water or exposed to high humidity;
Pre-drying Temperature: 180°F - 220°F (80°C - 105°C) for 1-2 hours to minimize coating cracks or oxidation;
E7018, E7028: 650°F - 750°F (340°C - 400°C);
E8018, E9018, E10018, E11018: 700°F - 800°F (370°C - 430°C).

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Storing and Redrying Non-Low Hydrogen Electrodes

Electrodes stored in unopened Lincoln cans or cartons maintain their moisture content indefinitely under good conditions. However, if exposed to humid air for long durations, electrodes may absorb moisture, impacting operational characteristics or weld quality. If moisture is suspected, store these electrodes in heated cabinets at 100°F - 120°F (40°C - 50°C). DO NOT use higher temperatures, especially for the "Fast Freeze" group.

Some electrodes from wet containers or prolonged high humidity exposure can be re-dried. Follow the procedures detailed below for each type.

Redrying Conditions - Non-Low Hydrogen Stick Electrodes

Stick Electrode
Electrode Group
Final Redrying Temperature
Time

E6010: Fleetweld 5P, 5P+
E6011: Fleetweld 35, 35LS, 180;
E7010-A1: SA-85(1);
E7010-G: SA-HYP+(1);
E8010-G: SA-70+(1), SA-80(1);
E9010-G: SA-90(1)

Electrode Group: Fast Freeze - identified by a noisy arc, high spatter, rusty core wire at the holder end, or coating blisters. Re-baking not recommended.

Not Recommended
N/A

E7024: Jetweld 1, 3;
E6027: Jetweld 2

Electrode Group: Fast Fill - noted by a noisy or "digging" arc, high spatter, tight slag, or undercut. Pre-dry damp electrodes for 30-45 minutes at 200°F - 230°F (90°C - 110°C) before final drying to reduce coating cracking.

400°F - 500°F (200°C - 260°C)
30-45 minutes

E6012: Fleetweld 7;
E6013: Fleetweld 37;
E7014: Fleetweld 47;
E6022: Fleetweld 22

Electrode Group: Fill Freeze - characterized by a noisy or "digging" arc, high spatter, tight slag, or undercut. Pre-dry damp electrodes for 30-45 minutes at 200°F - 230°F (90°C - 110°C) before final drying to minimize coating cracking.

300°F - 350°F (150°C - 180°C)
20-30 minutes

Avoid using longer drying times or higher temperatures as they can damage electrodes. Spread out the electrodes in the furnace for even heating.

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