Electrode Ovens Explained: Welding Equipment That Matters

 Known as the most versatile metal fabrication process, welding essentially involves fusing two different pieces of metal together at a high enough temperature. Some welding processes also make use of a filler rod or electrode, as it's also known. This electrode acts as the conducting material that helps pass electricity to create the necessary heat to melt the two metal pieces together.

But when they're not being used, it's important to keep their humidity and temperature consistent, which is where welding ovens come into play. They are essentially a storage space that's meant to keep a constant humidity and temperature level so that the electrodes don't absorb any moisture from the air and become useless.

What to Look For in an Electrode Oven

Mobility

Also referred to as quivers, welding ovens are made with portability in mind, but not every single one is made to be as portable as possible. A good example of a mobile rod oven for sale is one that doesn't weigh much, and it isn't that bulky, it doesn't necessarily have to be small.

Capacity & Size

Talking about an electrode oven's size, it should have more than enough space inside to store all your electrodes, but it shouldn't make that apparent on the outside with its appearance. A welding rod oven with compact dimensions on the outside but clever use of space on the inside is one with a large capacity yet portable dimensions. This balance is difficult to get right, but it can make a big difference in how you use the oven. 

Humidity Control

As you expect, a rod oven without humidity control is not a proper one, and yours should allow you not only to monitor the amount of humidity present in the chamber but also to regulate it. While too much moisture shouldn't be present in the electrode, not enough of it, can also be bad, which is why it's important to be able to set the exact level of humidity in your electrode oven.

Durability

While being able to control the humidity level inside the oven is something you should look for, a durable oven is also what you should look into. Long-lasting units are able to withstand high temperatures without them affecting their lifespan, but also be able to survive challenging external conditions like the cold or heat. Simply put, it should be as tough on the outside as it is on the inside.

Temperature Control

Another factor the oven should allow you to adjust is the temperature level inside it. While humidity control is quite important, if there is not a high enough temperature, the oven can't maintain a constant humidity level as well. That's especially the case without the option to control said temperature. This way, you can store different types of electrodes and still keep them usable.

Types of Electrode Ovens

Rebake

Reconditioning or rebake electrode ovens are used to bring back already contaminated rods that have too much moisture in them. These are usually low-hydrogen rods which makes rebake ovens heavy-duty solutions that are more expensive than holding ovens.

Holding

As you'd expect, a holding welding rod oven is one that's used for storing electrodes and not to reduce the level of humidity in them. They essentially prevent moisture from entering the rods. This is why there are two types of holding ovens, stationary and portable.

If you want to be able to store your welding electrodes 24/7 over a long period of time, a stationary rod oven for sale is the one for you, but keep in mind you won't be able to move it off the floor as easily as a portable unit. The latter is used to store rods for a short period, close by while working, this is why you can position the oven wherever you want with ease.

Using an Electrode Oven

1. The first thing you should do before you even start using an electrode quiver is to check the rods themselves for any damage such as bending, rust or corrosion. If that's the case, then you shouldn't put the rods in the oven.

2. Before you put the rods that are in good condition, make sure to preheat the oven to the exact temperature recommended for the type of rods you're going to put in it. The temperature level is usually what the manufacturer states is ideal for their electrodes.

3. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, place the electrodes in it and close the lid. Make sure that you have the fan running so that air is circulating inside and thus prevents the build-up of moisture in the rods. Check the temperature and humidity levels from time to time to ensure they stay the same.

4. Finally, make sure to remove the rods when you're ready to use them. When they're out of the oven, allow them some time to sit at room temperature before you start using them.