I might weld once a year 2 days in a row. Not enough to justify a full time rod oven. My question, could I use a metal mail box with a light bulb to reach maybe 200 degrees for 2 days to dry the rods out? Looking for ideas, her oven is not an option. Neal

Is it a certified or otherwise very important weld? If not don’t worry about it. I never saw an oven in a rig truck when I was helpering or welding for an oilfield service, never saw one when I was iron working either.

If they’re rusty get some new rod. If not light them up.

What type of rods?

I would guess a cellulose electrode (6010, 7010, 6011). If so, store them in a dry place and you would be fine without any heat. In fact, for a cellulose rod, manufacturers do not recommend storing open containers in over 120F cabinets.

Low hydrogen rods are different. Once opened store at 275-300F. If damp and need to be dried heat to 750F for three hours or so and then store at 275-300F

I don't worry about a hot box for my 6011 rods. I use them most anyway.

You get into the low hydrogen rods, and you have to hot box them after you break the seal on the box.

Havent found too much in the repair and maintenance field that would make me worry about hydrogen embrittlement very bad.

Dad has airtight boxes for his 7018s.
They seem to work well for quite awhile.

^^^yup^^^If your hot water heater is accessible, store your open containers on top, just enough heat to keep the rod warmer than the ambient temp will keep it dry. Very few of us are welding pressure piping on nuclear submarines.

Thanks for the info. Just welding for home and farm projects no certification needed other than my own pride. Neal

I use a piece of 4" PVC sewer pipe an inch or so longer than my rods with a cap glued onto one end and a cleanout plug on the other. No heat- - - -just an airtight environment to keep humidity out. I use mostly 7014- - - -it gives a flat, smooth bead like 7018, but it will run on AC without turning the heat way up and the slag falls away with just a tap of the hammer. 6011 makes a nasty looking bead!

Give us an idea what rods you are using.

And I thought that was just my welding... LOL

Mostly 6011,6013, and 7018

I use the PVC too

I use mostly 6011, like them better than 6010’s. I don’t understand the nasty weld comment. They make great looking welds.

I should also add I was taught by a old gruff Norwegian neighbor I was half scared of! I have his old Lincoln 225 tombstone buzz box AC only. Neal