S119832-035 - Hobart 18AC E7018 Welding Rods 3/32 Inch 50lb Can

Premium Hobart 18AC Stick Electrodes for Versatile Fabrication

The Hobart 18AC 3/32" Stick Electrode is a specialized filler metal designed to bridge the gap between industrial-grade performance and the practical limitations of smaller power sources. While standard E7018 electrodes are the backbone of structural welding due to their high tensile strength and low hydrogen properties, they can often be difficult to operate on Alternating Current (AC) machines, particularly those with lower open-circuit voltage (OCV). The Hobart 18AC formulation addresses this challenge directly, incorporating special arc stabilizers in the coating that maintain a smooth, consistent arc even on basic utility welders or "buzz boxes." This makes it an essential consumable for maintenance shops, farms, and general fabricators who require code-quality strength without the need for heavy industrial DC power grids.

Packaged in a heavy-duty 50lb hermetically sealed can, these electrodes are protected from atmospheric moisture, ensuring they arrive in prime condition for critical welding tasks. The 3/32-inch diameter is highly versatile, suitable for welding thinner gauge materials where heat input must be controlled, as well as multi-pass welding on thicker plates. The electrode offers all-position capability, allowing operators to perform vertical and overhead welds with confidence. Its slag system is designed for easy removal, reducing post-weld cleanup time and improving productivity.

Beyond its AC capabilities, the Hobart 18AC is truly universal, performing exceptionally well on Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) and Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN). This flexibility makes it a "go-to" rod for diverse environments where power source availability may vary. It is particularly noted for its excellence in skip and tack welding, where frequent stopping and restarting of the arc is required. Standard low-hydrogen rods can be prone to porosity at the start or difficult restrikes, but the 18AC minimizes these issues, ensuring strong, defect-free tacks that hold assemblies true during final welding.

Whether you are repairing agricultural equipment, fabricating structural frames, or performing general maintenance on low, medium, or high-carbon steels, the Hobart 18AC delivers a 70,000 PSI tensile strength weld deposit that resists cracking. It combines the mechanical assurance of an AWS E7018 classification with a user-friendly operating characteristic that reduces operator fatigue and frustration.