7018 welding rods allow very little hydrogen into the weld pool unless they have moisture in them from not being stored correctly. Moisture allows hydrogen into the flux, which is then introduced into the weld pool adversely. What happens is the moisture is superheated and then bubbles up to the surface leaving an open pocket in the finished weld bead. So at that spot the weld is weaker because it is not a solid bead.
Proper Storage
Store open containers of 7018 at 300 deg
To recondition or re-bake wet 7018 welding rod heat to 600 degrees.
All of the electrodes listed below should be stored dry at room temp when in unopened cartons
Electrode Classification
Open Box Storage
Holding Oven
Reconditioning
E-XX10
Room Temp
Not Needed
Not Needed
E-XX11
Room Temp
Not Needed
Not Needed
E-XX12
Room Temp
Not Needed
Not Needed
E-XX13
Room Temp
Not Needed
Not Needed
E-XX14
150 – 200 F
150 – 200 F
250 – 300 F 1 hr.
E-XX20
150 – 200 F
150 – 200 F
250 – 300 F 1 hr.
E-XX24
150 – 200 F
150 – 200 F
250 – 300 F 1 hr.
E-XX27
150 – 200 F
150 – 200 F
250 – 300 F 1 hr.
E-60 or 7015
250 – 450 F
150 – 200 F
500 – 600 F 1 hr.
E-60 or 7016
250 – 450 F
150 – 200 F
500 – 600 F 1 hr.
E-7018
250 – 450 F
150 – 200 F
500 – 600 F 1 hr.
E-7028
250 – 450 F
150 – 200 F
500 – 600 F 1 hr.
E-80 or 9015
250 – 450 F
200 – 250 F
600 – 700 F 1 hr.
E-80 or 9016
250 – 450 F
200 – 250 F
600 – 700 F 1 hr.
E-80 or 9018
250 – 450 F
200 – 250 F
600 – 700 F 1 hr.
E-90 12015
250 – 450 F
200 – 250 F
650 – 750 F 1 hr.
E-90 12016
250 – 450 F
200 – 250 F
650 – 750 F 1 hr.
E-90 12018
250 – 450 F
200 – 250 F
650 – 750 F 1 hr.
E -XXX-15 or 16
250 – 450 F
150 – 200 F
450 F 1 hr.
Stainless
250 – 450 F
150 – 200 F
450 F 1 hr.
Reconditioned, electrodes should be baked for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours .Baking more than 3 times is not recommended.