(semi guzzi) Using old arc weld sticks.

[NCAmother]

Is there an advantage to using newer arc sticks vs. older (20yrs+) sticks?  I salvaged a few cases of arc rods from the army base way back in the day, and have been using those. Yes, even today.   Is there an advantage to using fresh rods?  Thanks!  Nate
PS I use a 1980 Craftsmen 220 rig LOL

[RinkRat II]

 Keep Them DRY DRY DRY if you can get your hands on an old small oven, bake them in there overnight before you weld. Low heat 150 or so and keep the rest in an airtight container with some gel packs they use for guns. I've got some 30 years old that only get occasional use and their fine.

   Paul B

[sidecarnutz]

Like rink rat said!

At welding school we were told you could only dry them out once. Let  the humidity affect again and they were shot. The flux would no longer work correctly.

So put them in a warm oven  the day before use, or just store them the best you can. Or keep them ready in an oven all the time like welding shops do if you can afford to. I have packs of sticks I have gotten at garage sales. I just keep them in a cabinet for storage and warm them up before I build a project. No issues so far.

[NCAmother]

Thanks RinkRat,
That makes sense, unfortunately I don't have air tight containers.  How long do you bake the sticks and at what temp to get them dry?

[NCAmother]

Like rink rat said!

At welding school we were told you could only dry them out once. Let  the humidity affect again and they were shot. The flux would no longer work correctly.

So put them in a warm oven  the day before use, or just store them the best you can. Or keep them ready in an oven all the time like welding shops do if you can afford to. I have packs of sticks I have gotten at garage sales. I just keep them in a cabinet for storage and warm them up before I build a project. No issues so far.

Yeah, the flux is fragile.  I'll do a one cycle during.  Thanks for the tip bud :)

[RinkRat II]

 As far as containers go, check your local thrift store for containers that have screw on lids lhe some pitchers do. Rubbermaid I think makes em too..check wally world.

    Paul B

[Muzz]

I store mine on top of the water cylinder. Even the well insulated cylinders still keep them pretty dry. My 10 year old ones still work fine.