When welding with the 7018 electrode, it’s important to follow a few requirements. First, welding students should make sure to use the correct welding amperage. The right amperage depends on the diameter of the rod in use, which is determined by the thickness of the steel being welded. When using a 7018 welding rod, the welding pro should keep in mind that the strength of these welds tends to make them solidify more rapidly. This welding rod is a consumable electrode–meaning it gets shorter throughout the welding process. Thus, welders should be careful to continuously keep a consistent distance between the electrode’s tip and the metal while concentrating heat at the joint of the weld. The 7018 should be dragged along the metal to ensure that the filler material is secure. With experience, welders will be able to feel when the weld is firmly fixed.