Gas welding with 7018 ???

crash325 · Oct 17, 2011

I was given a bunch of Old 7018, it had been wet a few times and the flux is pretty well shot.

Would not even try to arc weld with it. Wondering how it would work as gas welding rod. Knock off the remaining flux ? or just leave it on ??

It's long enough for most small jobs or putting 2 or 3 sticks together would not be a problem. :confused2:

Sure like to hear from some of you welding experts.

Thank you.

jake98 · Oct 17, 2011

How long before the non-experts can talk?

cfender · Oct 17, 2011

Howdy,
You will need to knock the flux off if you want to use it for gas welding, most all arc welding electrodes are made from mild steel, the flux has chemicals and alloying agents that give the rod it's mechanical properties such as tensil strength and so one. When you knock the flux off all you have is a mild steel rod that can be used for gas welding after it has been cleaned off and besides the flux doesn't burn with a flame like it does with a electric arc.

Gas welding rods also come in different varities depending on what need to weld so I probably wouldn't ues 7018 on anything real critical.

Hope this helps

CF

yomax4 · Oct 17, 2011

People use everything from Old Coat hangers to Barbed Wire for filler rod when they get despeate. Seen it done. 7018 rods would work too. There are many rods made with the correct properties that Melt Better, Flow Nicer etc.

crash325 · Oct 17, 2011

jake98 said:
How long before the non-experts can talk?

Go for it Jake. All are welcome.

I've been gas welding off & on for close to 50 years. Rarely used anything but coat hangers. But newer coat hangers are almost as thin as bailing wire ( used that on thin or light metal.)

So before jumping into a project with the 7018, just wanted to hear from some people that have used it.