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S119851-035 - Hobart 18AC E7018 Stick Electrode 5/32" 50lb Can

Packaging: 50lb can
$8.70/lb $272.00/50lb can only $5.44/lbSave 37%

Usually ships within 3-5 business days

OVERVIEW

Get Professional Results with Hobart 18AC

If you have ever tried to run a standard 7018 rod on an AC "buzz box" welder, you know the frustration: the rod sticks, the arc stutters, and the bead looks messy. Enter the Hobart 18AC. This electrode is specifically engineered to solve that problem, bringing the superior strength and crack resistance of a low-hydrogen E7018 rod to your AC welding machine. It is the perfect solution for shop owners, farmers, and hobbyists who need structural-grade welds but don't always have access to heavy-duty DC industrial power sources.

The Hobart 18AC isn't just about compatibility; it's about usability. This 5/32-inch rod strikes incredibly easily and, more importantly, restrikes without a fight. This makes it a dream for tack welding or skip welding where you are constantly stopping and starting. You won't have to bang the rod against the table to get the flux off the tip every time you pause. The slag is also designed to release easily, often curling up on its own, which saves you time on cleanup and grinding.

Versatility is key with the 18AC. Whether you are welding flat on a bench, vertically up on a trailer frame, or overhead on a structural beam, this rod handles it all. It works beautifully on AC, but if you switch to a DC machine, it performs just as well on both DCEN and DCEP settings. This flexibility means you can keep one type of rod in your shop that handles almost any mild steel project you throw at it.

This 50 lb can is perfect for high-volume jobs or stocking up your shop. Because it is a low-hydrogen rod, it produces high-quality, X-ray quality welds that are resistant to cracking, making it ideal for critical repairs on heavy equipment, hitches, and structural supports. Stop fighting your equipment and start laying down smooth, professional beads with Hobart 18AC.

Additional Information
Aws Spec:E7018
Diameter:4.0mm (5/32")
Packaging Description:50lb-can
Brand:Hobart
Polarity:AC/DC, AC, DCEN, DCEP
Position:All
AWS Classification:E7018
Rod Type:Stick Electrode
Welding Position:All Position
Tensile Strength:70,000 PSI
Packaging Type:Hermetically Sealed Can

INCLUDED

  • 50 lb Can of Hobart 18AC 5/32" Stick Electrodes

APPLICATIONS

  • General fabrication and structural steel
  • Farm and agricultural equipment repair
  • Maintenance and repair operations (MRO)
  • Skip and tack welding applications
  • Welding low, medium, and high-carbon steels
  • Field repairs using utility AC welders

FAQ

Hobart 18AC is classified as an AWS E7018 electrode.

Yes, while it is designed for AC performance, it operates exceptionally well on both DCEN and DCEP polarities.

For the 5/32" diameter, the recommended amperage range is typically between 150 and 220 Amps, depending on the specific machine and position.

It has excellent restrike properties, meaning the arc re-ignites easily without the tip being covered in non-conductive slag, which is ideal for the frequent stops and starts in tacking.

As a low-hydrogen E7018 electrode, it should be stored in a rod oven after the hermetically sealed can is opened to prevent moisture absorption and hydrogen-induced cracking.

Standard 7018 rods often struggle to maintain an arc on AC power sources. 18AC has special chemical agents in the coating that stabilize the arc specifically for AC welding.

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

It is designed for welding low, medium, and high-carbon steels.

CATALOGUE & SPEC SHEETS

Spec Sheet
Safety Data Sheet