7018AC porosity

[NMWelds]

Hey everybody
I've been doing some misc. projects in the garage using my lincoln 225AC and have been getting porosity in the first inch or two of weld, then nice pretty weld for the remainder of the bead. I have tried different material thickness (10 GA, 3/16, 1/4, 3/8), how well I prep the weld, weld position, and amps. Has anyone else experienced this? I've never had porosity like this using DC but since thats not an option right now...? Will try for some pics tomorrow. Any help appreciated. BTW rod is Hobart AC7018 in 1/8 and 3/32 from TSC
:confused::confused:

[Zrexxer]

Is the rod fresh and dry?

[Scott Young]

i would first look at the moisture level of the flux. with it being porous in the first inch or so and then doing fine tends to be improperly stored rods.

what i think is happening is the rod is too 'wet' until it heats up from the welding process and then it evaporates the moisture in the flux.

[NMWelds]

rod has been stored in the original plastic container, only open it to get out a few rods...so, moisture could be a problem...#^%&
Any suggestions on how to dry them without having to buy a high $$ oven...or make my own. Have an oven at work but not at home.

[NMWelds]

By the way Zrex, really like the avatar..GIG 'EM Aggies!

[Rocky D]

In the old days we used to short out the rod, to heat it up before welding. You can get a tin box and put a heat lamp in it.

[NMWelds]

Thanks guys, searched rod ovens and got some good threads. Since I won't be doing any code work in my garage and can't get a new box of rod every time I want to fix something :D I'll give Rocky's idea a try.

[Scott Young]

i built a plywood box with a light and keep all my hi-los in it. it was very easy and i don't have to worry about bad rods. i don't keep my non hi-los in it. they do require some moisture to run right.

[crenshawjm]

if you don't have a rod oven, try using the oven you have in the kitchen, it will get HOT, and should dry out the rods, then run them to prove or disprove the moisture issue. but thinking of what scott said makes since, even in a plastic wrap cardboard box they will get moisture.
ot if they are too bad you can short them out just be careful they get real hot.
but i think your onto what you issues are since they get better as you weld.

[NMWelds]

I had a few minutes today so I ran some beads. Tried the first couple same as always, strike an arc and go to town, same result, porosity. Ran a few more but shorted the rod first, count of 4 mississippi worked well with no porosity. Now I have an excuse to make a rod oven :D:eek:

[Critter]

With my 7018AC I wait till wifie ain't home, grab a cookie sheet and heat them at 250 for about 20 minutes, they work great! Don't tell her.