7018 Vs. 7018AC, Need Layman's translation please:

[Big Wave D]

I'm looking to buy some 7018 rods, but I'm having a problem determining which I need.

The two following excerpts in red are from the Hobart website:

The highlights in green are what have me confused:

7018 Welding Electrodes

A low-hydrogen electrode for use in all positions on low, medium and high-carbon steels.
70,000 PSI tensile strength. Ideal for out-of-position welding and tacking. Runs on AC or
DCEP (reverse) polarity. Not recommended for low-voltage AC welders.


7018AC Welding Electrodes

Same as above, but specially formulated to operate with small 208/230 volt AC welders.

For the 'straight' 7018, I originally thought this meant a 115volt buzz box didn't have the oomph to properly utilize the rod. However; when I read about the "small 208/230volt" is when I get confused.

I have a nice, old Lincoln Electric 'LincWelder', 225 Amps A/C

What category does this fall into for classification? Is it a "small 208/230volt AC Welder"? Is it the "low-voltage AC welder"?

Thanks to any and all who can help me clear this classification and proper rod to use problem up.

Thanks again

 

[Shield Arc]

I would think your machine falls into the low voltage (OCV) category machine. So you would need the 7018 AC. I have never run any 7018 AC before so I can't help there.

 

[Big Wave D]

Shield Arc,

Thanks for your comment on this topic.

From what I've read about both rods, they are supposed to accomplish the same thing, quality and material-wise, they just go about it a little different. So, in the vein of error towards caution, I'll go with the 7018AC.

What does a Big welding unit 'look' like, power, voltage, amps?

 

[Soundguy]

i've seen specs on ac welding go from 28-32v ac. ( approx )

soundguy

 

[Shield Arc]

What does a Big welding unit 'look' like, power, voltage, amps?

These are very nice stick welders.
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Here is a little reading about 7018-AC
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[Mark @ Everlast]

The 7018AC is imho a nicer running rod than a 7018 regular on DC. The flux is different usually and is real smooth. But the AC rod is easier to start on AC.

 

[dex3361]

The 7018AC is imho a nicer running rod than a 7018 regular on DC. The flux is different usually and is real smooth. But the AC rod is easier to start on AC.

I always buy 7018AC for the same reasons. I had a AC buzz box for 20 years and there was huge difference between the two. Try a few for yourself you will be amazed especially if running an AC welder.

 

[Big Wave D]

Thanks to everyone for their input.

7018AC it is.

I'd still be interested if someone could address the part of my questions about what a low-voltage AC welder and small 208/230 volt AC welder is/means?

1.) By "low-voltage", I gather they are not talking about the 230v input coming out of the wall socket that my welder uses.

2.) What part in particular is "small" on a "208/230v welder" that's effecting the proper use of straight 7018?

 

[Shield Arc]

1.) By "low-voltage", I gather they are not talking about the 230v input coming out of the wall socket that my welder uses.

2.) What part in particular is "small" on a "208/230v welder" that's effecting the proper use of straight 7018?

Big Wave D it has nothing to do with the power coming out of the wall outlet. It is the voltage the welder puts out, OCV = open circuit voltage.

 

[easygo]

According to the Lincoln website your welder has a 225A/25v/ output at 20% duty cycle.
http://content.lincolnelectric.com/pdfs/products/literature/e230.pdf

That is if the input (what comes out of your wall outlet) is 230v/60hrz/single phase.

I don't know where this falls among the welder ratings as far output voltage but may be Shield Arc can shed some light on that for us. You should be able to burn some 1/8" 7018AC rods no problem. I have done that on my Hobart AC/DC buzz box and the specs are in the same neighborhood.