by J. Ortiz
(Bakersfield, CA)
Restarting 7018 is difficult because of the slag coating that covers the tip of the rod. The easiest way I've found to restarting this rod is to simply keep a piece of 2x4 wood close. After making a pass with the rod, stick the tip into the wood and walla! the rod restarts with no problems. This is how old time welders do it.