Skip to Main Content
Canadian
Canadian owned and operated

S119844-035 - Hobart 18AC E7018 1/8" Stick Electrode 50lb Can

Packaging: 50lb can
$10.38/lb $324.50/50lb can only $6.49/lbSave 37%

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

OVERVIEW

Get Smooth Welds with Your AC Buzz Box

If you have ever tried running a standard 7018 rod on an old AC "buzz box" welder, you know the struggle: the rod sticks, the arc stutters, and you spend more time grinding than welding. The Hobart 18AC 1/8" stick electrode is the solution to those headaches. Designed specifically to run smoothly on AC power, this rod turns your utility welder into a fabrication powerhouse. It takes the frustration out of low-hydrogen welding by providing a steady, forgiving arc that doesn't cut out every time you blink.

The "18AC" isn't just a name; it's a promise of performance. These rods are famous for their easy starting and restarting capabilities. This makes them perfect for tack welding projects where you need to make quick, strong holds without fighting the rod. Whether you are fixing farm equipment, building a trailer, or working on a custom project in the garage, these electrodes lay down a smooth bead with minimal spatter. The slag cools quickly and often lifts right off, leaving you with a professional-looking weld that requires very little cleanup.

Don't let the "AC" label fool you—these rods are versatile. They run great on DCEN and DCEP too, giving you flexibility no matter what machine you plug into. They are built for all-position welding, so you can tackle vertical and overhead repairs without the puddle dripping out on you. With this 50lb can, you are stocked up for big projects, ensuring you have consistent, high-quality filler metal ready to go whenever the sparks need to fly. Upgrade your welding game and stop fighting your machine with Hobart 18AC.

Additional Information
Brand:Hobart
Diameter:3.2mm (1/8")
AWS Spec:E7018
Packaging Description:50lb can (50lb-can)
Polarity:AC/DCEN
Position:All
AWS Classification:E7018, E7018 H8
Rod Type:Stick Electrode
Coating Type:Iron Powder Low Hydrogen
Welding Position:Flat, Horizontal, Vertical, Overhead
Current Type:AC, DCEN, DCEP
Tensile Strength:70,000 psi (min)
Packaging Type:Can

INCLUDED

  • 50 lb Can of Hobart 18AC 1/8" Stick Electrodes

APPLICATIONS

  • General fabrication and structural steel
  • Farm and agricultural equipment repairs
  • Skip and tack welding
  • Maintenance in shops with AC utility welders
  • Welding low, medium, and high-carbon steels
  • Hobbyist and DIY projects

FAQ

Hobart 18AC is specifically formulated with arc stabilizers to prevent outages on AC power sources, whereas standard 7018 is primarily designed for DCEP and may be unstable on AC.

Yes, Hobart 18AC runs exceptionally well on both DCEN and DCEP polarities, in addition to AC.

As a low-hydrogen electrode (E7018), they should be stored in a rod oven to prevent moisture pickup if being used for code-critical work. For general repair, keep them dry and sealed.

For the 1/8" diameter, a range of approximately 100 to 140 amps is typically recommended, depending on the material thickness and position.

Yes, Hobart 18AC is an all-position electrode suitable for flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead welding.

Its easy strike and restrike characteristics make it ideal for tacking, where you need to start and stop the arc frequently without the rod sticking.

H8 indicates that the electrode is designed to have less than 8ml of diffusible hydrogen per 100g of weld metal, reducing the risk of hydrogen-induced cracking.

CATALOGUE & SPEC SHEETS

Spec Sheet
Safety Data Sheet