Welding rod storage debate, went with the rod oven over the bucket

Had to choose between a $300 rod oven and a cheap 5-gallon bucket with a lid for storage at my shop in Cleveland. Humidity was wrecking my 7018s, getting porosity left and right. Picked the oven, best move I made in 2 years. Rods stay dry, welds come out clean. But my buddy swears by the bucket trick with a desiccant pack. Anyone run the bucket setup long term without issues?

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elizabeth22023d ago

Honestly, is it really that serious? I get why you'd spend the money if you're running production every single day, but for most people, a bucket with a good lid and a big pack of desiccant works fine for years. I've seen guys leave 7018s in a half-open container in a damp garage and still get decent welds, so the whole "humidity is wrecking me" thing feels a little dramatic sometimes. Tbh, a lot of porosity comes from bad technique or a dirty joint, not just the rod. Ngl, if you're happy with your $300 oven, cool, but don't act like the bucket guys are living in a cave.