Stick Electrodes Welding Ovens (SMAW)

• Portable Welding Rod Holding Ovens
• Bench Welding Rod Holding Ovens
• Floor Welding Rod Holding Ovens
• Floor Welding Rod Holding and Rebake Ovens

See Frequently Asked Questions

Model	Capacity	Interior Dimension	Voltage	Temperature
KT-15HT	15 lbs 18" rods	3” diameter X 18.5” deep	240v	500F+ (260C+)
K-10	15 lbs. 14" rods (Does not store 18" rods)	3" x 3" x 15"	Dual voltage 120V/240V	Constant Input - Max 300°F
KT-15	15 lbs. 18" rods	3.3" x 3.3" x 19"	Dual voltage 120V/240V	Constant Input - Max 300°F
K-15R	15 lbs. 18" rods	3.3" x 3.3" x 19"	120V	Preset 275 F (135 C) Temp Non-Adjustable
KT-15 W/T	15 lbs. 18" rods	3.3" x 3.3" x 19"	Dual voltage 120V/240V	100°-300° F (38°-149° C) Preset 275° F
KT-50	50 lbs. 18" rods	6" x 6" x 19"	Dual voltage 120V/240V	100°-300° F (38°-149° C) Preset 275° F
K-20SS Stainless Steel	15 lbs. 18" rods	3" x 3" x 19"	Dual voltage 120V/240V	100°-300° F (38°-149° C)
KT-50SS Stainless Steel	50 lbs. 18" rods	6" x 6" x 19"	Dual voltage 120V/240V	100°-300° F (38°-149° C) Preset 275° F

Model	Capacity	Interior Dimension	Voltage	Temperature
K-200	200 lbs. 18" rods	12.5" x 12.5" x 18.25"	120v & 240v	150°-300° F (38°-149° C) Dial adjustable
K-450	450 lbs. 18" rods	19.5" x 20"	120v & 240v	150°F - 550°F (65°C - 288°C) Dial Adjustable

Model	Capacity	Interior Dimension	Voltage	Temperature
K-900	1,000 lbs. 18" rods	18" x 18.5" x 36"	120v & 240v	150°-550° F (65°-288° C)
K-1000	1,500 lbs. 18" rods	27" x 20.5" x 40"	120v & 240v	150°-550° F (65°-288° C)

Model	Capacity	Interior Dimension	Voltage	Temperature
KHT-50	50 lbs 18" rods	6.5" x 6.5" x 18.5	120V-240v	Ambient - 662°F (Ambient - 350°C)
KHT-200	200 lbs 18" rods	14" x 14" x 19.5"	120V-240v	Ambient-999°F (Ambient - 537°C)
KHT-500	475 lbs. 18" rods	18" x 19" x 18"	240v	Ambient-999°F (Ambient - 537°C)
KHT-900	1,000 lbs. 18" rods	18" x 18.5" x 36"	240v	Ambient-999°F (Ambient - 537°C)

*Custom Shelving Available

Frequently Asked Questions

What are stick electrodes and what is shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)?

Why do I need to store stick welding electrodes in a heated oven?

What are the proper storage and rebaking guidelines for stick rods?

What is the difference between welding electrode holding and welding electrode rebaking?

What are the key differences between welding electrode holding ovens and welding electrode rebake ovens?

Can I use a Keen portable holding oven for long term storage?

Are the large ovens used only for long term storage?

How can I determine the amp draw for a particular model?

 

What are stick electrodes and what is shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)?

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) is a manual arc welding process that is often called stick welding.  It is one of the most popular welding processes used today.  Its popularity is due to the versatility of the process and the simplicity and low cost of the equipment and operation.  SMAW is commonly used with such materials as mild steel, cast iron, and stainless steel.

The process requires a consumable electrode that is coated in flux (stick rod) to lay the weld, and an electric current is used to create an electric arc between the electrode and the metals that are being welded together.  The electric current may be either an alternating current or a direct current from a welding power supply.

While the weld is being laid, the electrode’s flux coating disintegrates.  This produces vapors that provide a shielding gas and a layer of slag.  Both the gas and slag protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination.  The flux also serves to add scavengers, deoxidizers, and alloying elements to the weld metal.

For more in-depth information on stick welding, click here:

 

Why do I need to store stick welding electrodes in a heated oven?

In stick welding (SMAW), the most commonly used welding electrode is low hydrogen 7018.  It is covered with flux which is hygroscopic (easily absorbs moisture from the air).  This flux coating burns and converts into a shielding gas that protects the weld pool from atmospheric contaminants such as hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and others. If these contaminants enter the weld pool they will cause defects such as cracking, and porosity (worm holes.)  These defects can create a weak point at which the weld may fail under stress or load.

Low-hydrogen 7018 rods are just what their name states…low hydrogen. They allow very little hydrogen into the weld pool unless they have been stored improperly and contaminated by moisture.  Moisture allows hydrogen into the flux, which is then introduced into the weld pool adversely. This moisture contamination is super-heated during the welding process, converts into steam and then bubbles up to the surface leaving an open pocket in the finished weld bead. So at that particular spot the weld is weaker because it is not a solid bead.  This will happen at the beginning of the bead with each new rod used, and diminish as the rod heats up and burns the moisture out as it is being consumed.

Moisture-contaminated rods may make a good-looking weld at first, but they will be subject to longitudinal cracking either right after welding, or later on (longitudinal cracking occurs where a crack begins at one point and follows the length of the weld).  Defects may also be noticed by a visiting welding inspector as described by one of our seasoned welders here :

ttp://www.keenovens.com/articles/welding_inspectors.htm
Many welding job sites and shops do not follow proper electrode storage guidelines set forth by welding electrode manufacturers and the American Welding Society.

 

What are the proper storage and rebaking guidelines for stick rods?

For specific storage and rebake temperature guidelines, we recommend contacting the welding consumable manufacturer directly.  It is also important to check with local welding codes and/or ask a welding inspector to provide some information.  Welding standards change frequently, and each manufacturer often provides a different recommendation regarding welding electrode storage.  Check the packaging and also manufacturer websites for information.  Keen offers a wide range of products to handle almost any welding consumable storage requirement.

 

What is the difference between welding electrode holding and welding electrode rebaking?

Generally, there are two processes involved with the proper maintenance of stick welding electrodes: holding (also called storing) and rebaking (also called reconditioning).

The holding process refers to the short-term* or long-term** heated storage of welding electrodes to maintain factory-fresh dryness.  Storing the rods at elevated temperatures prevents atmospheric moisture contamination of the electrode’s hygroscopic flux coating.  There are various temperature requirements according to the type of electrode and also that are also set forth by welding codes.  For specific holding temperature guidelines, please contact the manufacturer of your consumable.

The rebaking process refers to the short-term*, high temperature heating of stick electrodes that have been or may have been contaminated by atmospheric moisture.  The rebaking process “reconditions” the welding electrode, meaning it bakes out the moisture that has entered the coating thus restoring the electrode so it is suitable for reuse.  Many large shops have a rebake oven in the tool crib in which electrodes coming back from the field are procedurally rebaked as a precaution to remove any moisture, and then put into a holding oven for long term low temperature storage for reuse.  For specific rebake temperature guidelines, please contact the manufacturer of your consumable.

* - In relation to our products, we consider short-term to mean 8 hours or less.

** - In relation to our products, we consider long-term to mean 24 hours/day 7 days/week.

 

What are the key differences between welding electrode holding ovens and welding electrode rebake ovens?

Keen ovens are specifically designed according to the temperature range of the process, and the amount of electrodes to be stored.  The standard holding ovens are designed to accommodate a maximum temperature of 550F and the rebake ovens are designed to reach 999F.   The higher temperature ovens have larger wall thicknesses to accommodate more insulation, explosion proof latches and digital programmable temperature controllers.  The large, floor-positioned holding ovens feature basic digital temperature control, and the bench and portable ovens have analog temperature control or constant input without thermostatic control.

 

Can I use a Keen portable holding oven for long term storage?

Portable welding electrode ovens are designed primarily for short-term holding, not long-term holding.  Portable units are commonly used by individual welders in the field to keep electrodes dry at the welding station.  Typically, welders are provided electrodes that are stored in a larger, long-term holding oven at the tool crib.  They load up their portable for a day’s work, and any that are left at the end of the day are returned to the crib for rebaking or long term storage.  The portable is shut off until the next time it is used in the field.

 

Are the large ovens used only for long term storage?

Yes.  Keen holding ovens from 200 lbs capacity and up are designed to be run 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.  The idea is to keep all unpackaged electrodes at elevated temperatures all the time to preserve the integrity of the electrode and to ensure optimal welds.

 

How can I determine the amp draw for a particular rod oven model?

Use this formula:  Watts / Voltage = Amps