S119844-045 - Hobart 18AC E7018 Stick Electrode 1/8 Inch 5lb Pack

Name: Hobart 18AC E7018 Stick Electrode 1/8 Inch 5lb Pack
Brand: Welders Helper
SKU: S119844-045
Price: 38.15 CAD
Availability: InStock

Packaging: 5lb pack

$12.20/lb $38.15/5lb pack only $7.63/lbSave 37%

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SKU: S119844-045 Categories: Steel Electrodes, Welding Wires and Electrodes

OVERVIEW

Get Smooth 7018 Welds on Your AC Welder with Hobart 18AC

If you have ever tried to run a standard 7018 rod on an old AC "buzz box" welder, you know the frustration: the rod sticks, the arc stutters, and it is hard to get a smooth bead. Hobart solved this problem with the 18AC. This isn't just a standard welding rod; it is specially formulated to run smooth as butter on AC power sources. It takes the headache out of structural welding at home or in the farm shop, giving you the strength of a low-hydrogen rod without the fighting and sticking usually associated with running 7018 on AC.

The Hobart 18AC is an all-position rod, meaning you can weld flat, horizontal, vertical-up, or overhead without the puddle dripping out on you. It is perfect for heavy-duty repairs on farm equipment, trailer frames, and hitches where you need that extra strength and ductility that a 6011 or 6013 just can't provide. Because it is a low-hydrogen rod, it is also much less likely to cause cracking when you are welding on harder, high-carbon steels. It lays down a smooth bead with a slag covering that chips off easily, leaving you with a professional-looking weld.

This 5-pound plastic pack is the perfect size for the small shop or hobbyist. You don't need to buy a giant 50-pound tin that will just absorb moisture and go bad before you use it all. The plastic container keeps the rods dry and organized until you are ready to burn them. Whether you are doing quick tack welds or running long passes on thick steel, the 1/8-inch diameter handles a wide range of metal thicknesses.

Don't let your power source limit your welding capability. With Hobart 18AC, you can get code-quality strength and professional results using the welder you already own. It works on DC too, but it really shines where other rods fail—on AC. Grab a pack for your next heavy fabrication project and feel the difference.

Additional Information
Brand:Hobart
Diameter:3.2mm (1/8")
AWS Spec:E7018
Packaging Description:5lb pack
Position:All
Polarity:AC/DCEN
AWS Classification:E7018 H8, E4818
Rod Type:Stick
Material Composition:Mild Steel, Carbon Steel
Welding Current:AC, DCEN, DCEP
Coating Type:Low Hydrogen, Iron Powder
Storage:Plastic Pak

INCLUDED

5 Lb (2 Kg) Plastic Pak of 1/8" (3.2mm) Hobart 18AC Electrodes

APPLICATIONS

General Fabrication and Structural Steel
Farm and Agriculture Equipment Repair
Maintenance and Repair Operations (MRO)
Hobbyist and DIY Projects
Skip and Tack Welding
Welding Low, Medium, and High-Carbon Steels
Field Repairs using Utility Welders

FAQ

Yes, Hobart 18AC electrodes are designed to be versatile. While they are specially formulated for exceptional performance on AC power sources, they also operate effectively on DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative) and DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive).

Standard E7018 electrodes often require DCEP and high open-circuit voltage for a stable arc. The Hobart 18AC contains special arc stabilizers in the flux coating that allow it to maintain a smooth, stable arc even on AC utility welders (buzz boxes) that typically struggle with low-hydrogen rods.

E7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode. For critical code work (like structural steel), they should be stored in a rod oven to prevent moisture absorption. However, for general farm and shop repairs, keeping them in the sealed plastic pack and storing them in a dry place is usually sufficient. If they get wet, they must be re-dried.

For a 1/8" (3.2 mm) E7018 electrode, the typical amperage range is between 110 and 165 Amps. The exact setting will depend on your specific machine, the material thickness, and the welding position (lower amps are usually used for vertical and overhead).

This electrode is designed for welding mild steel, as well as low, medium, and high-carbon steels. It is an excellent choice for applications requiring high strength and resistance to cracking.

The 'H8' suffix indicates the diffusible hydrogen content of the weld metal. It means there is less than 8 milliliters of diffusible hydrogen per 100 grams of deposited weld metal, which helps prevent hydrogen-induced cracking in the heat-affected zone.

Yes, the Hobart 18AC is an 'All Position' rod. It works well for flat, horizontal, vertical-up, and overhead welding. For vertical welding, you typically weld 'up' (from bottom to top) with this type of rod.

The 5 lb plastic pak offers a balance of protection and convenience for lower-volume users. While not as hermetically sealed as a hermetic tin, it provides reasonable moisture resistance for retail and small-shop environments where a 50 lb tin would be impractical.