According to some users, the 7018 arc welding rod is an ideal tool for many welding tasks. After all, this device serves as a decent device for working with carbon steel. Besides, it offers easy control for a non-messy weld while withstanding cracking.
Although this rod is easy-to-use, you will need to set it properly before getting the desired results. But if you don’t have any formal training, you might not know the right settings to use.
You can check this post for the right settings to use with your 7018 welding rod. When it comes down to it, we have prepared a list of some of the ideal settings for this device. If you have any welding tasks, you can always use this list as a point of reference.
7018 Welding Rod Settings Chart
Here are the best settings for using the 7018 Welding Rod. But before using these adjustments, it would help if you sought extra advice from a professional.
| Electrode Diameter (in) | Amperage |
| 3/32 | 70-100 |
| 1/8 | 115-165 |
| 5/32 | 150-220 |
| 3/16 | 200 – 275 |
| 7/32 | 260 – 340 |
| 1/4 | 315 – 400 |
| 5/16 | 375 – 470 |
7018 Welding Rod Settings for Different Diameters
- 7018 Electrode ( Diameter: 3/22) = 70 – 100
- 7018 Electrode ( Diameter ⅛) = 115 – 165
- 7018 Electrode ( Diameter 5/32) = 150 – 220
- 7018 Electrode ( Diameter 3/16) = 200 – 275
- 7018 Electrode ( Diameter 7/32) = 260 – 340
- 7018 Electrode ( Diameter ¼) = 315 – 400
- 7018 Electrode ( Diameter 5/16) = 375 – 470
7018 Welding Rod Settings for 3/22″ Electrode
If the rod has a diameter of 3/22″, then you can work with a minimum of 70 amps. As you work with this thickness, make sure you do not exceed 100 amps.
7018 Welding Rod Settings for ⅛” Electrode
Do you want to use a ⅛” welding rod for your electrode for your welding tasks? If yes, then you might have to set the amps to a minimum of 115 amps. But if you are looking for the highest setting, leave the amps at 165.
7018 Welding Rod Settings for 5/32″ Electrode
A 5/32″ welding rod can work with at least 150 amps. However, you can push the amps further to 220. With any of these settings, you should expect the desired results.
7018 Welding Rod Settings for 3/16″ Electrode
Before you can include the 7018 Welding Rod for your tasks, it would help if you choose the right settings. For instance, stick to values from 200 amps. But make sure it does not exceed 275 amps.
7018 Welding Rod Settings for 7/32″ Electrode
If your welding rod consists of a 7/32″ electrode, consider using it with 260 amps. You can also use the rod with higher amps that are not above 340 amps.
7018 Welding Rod Settings for ¼” Electrode
Still looking for settings for the 7018 welding rod? If yes, use the device with amps between 315 – 400 amps.
7018 Welding Rod Settings for 5/16 inches Electrode
There is nothing much with to adjusting a 5/16″ 7018 electrolyte. You can start by leaving the device at 375. If the amp feels too small, push it up to 470.
What Temperature Should a 7018 Welding Rod Be?
Here is a table showing the various temperatures that suit the storage of the 7018 welding rod.
| Ambient Air | Holding Ovens | Drying Conditions | |
| E7018 | Not recommended | 30°C to 140 °C above ambient temperature | 260°C to 425°C ( 1 – 2 hr at temperature) |
According to this chart, you can store the welding rod at 30°C to 140°C above ambient temperature. But if you have plans to remove excess moisture from the rod, store it under 260°C to 425°C.
7018 Welding Rod Position
As you use the 7018 Welding Rod, work with a decent leading angle. Then move the stick electrode along the weld joint.
For vertical welding, make sure you use a 3 – 5 degree angle while using a slight weaving method. But if your task involves flat/horizontal welding, make sure you use a tight weld arc and work with the electrode on top of the weld puddle.
What Polarity is Best for 7018 Welding Rods?
The 7018 Welding Rod can be used for DC and AC polarity. After all, the rod is designed for all-purpose welding.
Do You Weld 7018 on AC or DC?
Although most welders weld the 7018 rods with DC current, it can also be used with AC current. Overall, both AC and DC are ideal for working with this metal.
7018 Welding Rod Amperage Chart
Here is a chart showing the amperage required by various diameters of electrodes, especially during various positions.
| Diameter ( in) | Flat amps | Vertical Amps | Overhead Amps |
| 3/32 | 65 – 100 | 65 – 90 | 80 – 100 |
| 1/8 | 120 – 150 | 100 – 130 | 120 – 150 |
| 5/32 | 150 – 210 | 120 – 160 | 150 – 210 |
| 3/16 | 240 – 280 | 180 – 220 | 240 – 280 |
7018 Welding Rod Settings For 3/32″ 7018 Welding Rod
According to this chart, a 3/32 inch rod requires at least 65 amps for flat welding and vertical welding. It also needs the same minimal amps for overhead welding. With these settings, there is a high chance that you will be able to achieve a decent weld.
7018 Welding Rod Settings For ⅛” 7018 Welding Rod
You can use between 90 – 140 amps for flat welding. But if you are going for vertical welding, choose from within the values of 100 – 130 amps while overhead welding stays at 120 – 150 amps.
7018 Welding Rod Settings For 5/32″ 7018 Welding Rod
If you are working with a 7018 Welding Rod, make sure it works between 150 – 210 amps ( flat welding). But if you are looking at overhead welding, 120 – 160 amps
7018 Welding Rod Settings For 3/16″ 7018 Welding Rod
On the table, 240 – 280 amps are enough to work on a 3/16″ 7018 Welding rod. As for the vertical welding, work with this rod at 180 – 220 amps. Then use overhead welding with 240 – 280 amps.
