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Reference Library · SMAW

ELECTRODE GUIDE

The six rods that cover 95% of stick welding. Read the number, grab the rod: E7018 is "70,000 psi tensile, all positions, low-hydrogen flux." Here's what each one actually does.

READING THE NUMBER

E 7 0 1 8

E

Electrode for SMAW

70

70,000 psi min tensile (60 / 70)

1

1 = all positions; 2 = flat/horizontal

18

Coating & current: low-hydrogen, DC+

THE SIX WORKHORSES

Electrode Tensile Positions Polarity Amps (1/8") Personality Typical Uses
E6010 60 ksi All DC+ only 75–125 A Cellulosic, hard-driving arc, deep penetration, fast-freezing slag Root passes, pipelines, dirty/rusty/galvanized steel
E6011 60 ksi All AC or DC 75–130 A Cellulosic, same traits as 6010 — runs on AC Root passes on AC machines, farm repairs, galvanized
E6013 60 ksi All AC or DC 90–130 A Rutile, soft arc, low penetration, easy slag Light sheet, clean mild steel, decorative work, beginners
E7014 70 ksi All AC or DC 110–150 A Iron-powder rutile, high fill rate, forgiving Sheet to medium plate, production fillets, repair
E7018 70 ksi All DC+ preferred, AC ok 90–150 A Low hydrogen, smooth, tough ductile welds, must stay dry Structural, pressure vessels, high-strength steel, code work
E7024 70 ksi Flat & horizontal only AC or DC 110–160 A Iron-powder, drag rod, high deposition Production flat fillets, heavy plate

E7018 — AMPERAGE BY SIZE

Diameter Amps (DC+) Voltage Range
3/32"75–110 A18–21 V
1/8"90–150 A20–24 V
5/32"130–220 A22–26 V
3/16"175–260 A24–28 V
1/4"225–325 A26–30 V

1/8" is the shop standard; 5/32" for roots and heavy fillets; 3/32" for sheet and out-of-position capping.

LOW-HYDROGEN DISCIPLINE

E7018's flux absorbs moisture from air. Water breaks down in the arc into hydrogen — the #1 cause of weld cracking in hard, restrained joints.

  • Keep it hotOpen rods live in a 250–300°F (121–149°C) rod oven.
  • Rebake itIf exposed to moisture, re-dry 1 hour at 700–800°F (371–427°C) per AWS A5.1.
  • Respect storageAn open cardboard box of 7018 left in a damp shop for a week is scrap for critical work.

Code tip: specs like AWS D1.1 and ASME B31.3 require low-hydrogen electrodes for most critical welds — and they verify storage conditions.

PAIR THESE WITH

Amperage Guide Filler Metal Selector Welding Calculator Heat Input Calculator

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