E7014 vs E7018: Shop Fillet vs Code-Quality Weld
Both are 70 ksi rods. The difference is what they were built for. E7014 fills fast on non-critical work. E7018 fills to code on everything else. If an inspector is going to look at it, run E7018.
E7014: You need a fast-depositing 70 ksi electrode for non-critical fillet welds where code compliance is not required. E7018: The application requires code-quality welds (structural, pressure vessel, pipeline).
Which One Should You Use?
Pick E7014 if:
You need a fast-depositing 70 ksi electrode for non-critical fillet welds where code compliance is not required. You do not have rod oven storage. The application is general fabrication without low-temperature service requirements.
Runs on AC, DCEP, DCEN, 80-350A range. E7014 full amperage chart
Pick E7018 if:
The application requires code-quality welds (structural, pressure vessel, pipeline). You need guaranteed impact toughness at low temperatures. Hydrogen cracking risk exists due to steel chemistry, thickness, or restraint.
Runs on DCEP, AC, 70-400A range. E7018 full amperage chart
How They Compare
| Attribute | E7014 | E7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Coating type | Iron powder titania | Low-hydrogen iron powder |
| Hydrogen level | Standard (not controlled) | Low hydrogen (H4 or H8 class) |
| Impact toughness | Not specified by AWS | 20 ft-lbs at -20F |
| Storage requirements | Standard dry storage | Rod oven required |
| Polarity options | AC, DCEP, or DCEN | DCEP or AC |
| Code qualification | Limited structural applications | Full structural, pressure vessel, pipeline qualification |
| Deposition rate | Higher (more iron powder) | Moderate |
Settings at a Glance
Machine settings and operating characteristics side by side. For full amperage charts, see the individual electrode pages.
| Setting | E7014 | E7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Polarity | AC, DCEP, DCEN | DCEP, AC |
| Positions | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead | flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead |
| Penetration | medium | medium |
| Coating | iron powder titania | low-hydrogen iron powder |
| Amps at 3/32" | 80-110A | 70-100A |
| Amps at 1/8" | 100-160A | 90-160A |
| Amps at 5/32" | 140-210A | 130-200A |
How E7014 and E7018 Work Together
E7014 fills a niche: non-critical fillet welds on mild steel where you want to move fast. Think equipment frames, non-structural brackets, and general shop fabrication where code compliance is not required. E7018 covers everything E7014 does plus all the code work. The trade-off is that E7018 costs more per pound and requires a rod oven. If you do not have a rod oven and your work is not inspected, E7014 is a solid choice for flat and horizontal fillets.
Common Mistake With E7014
E7014 is not a drop-in replacement for E7018 on code work. Even though both are rated at 70 ksi, E7014 is not a low-hydrogen rod. It will not meet AWS D1.1 prequalified WPS requirements for structural steel. If the drawing calls out E7018 or 'low-hydrogen electrode,' that means E7018 specifically.
On the Job
The Setup
You are building a trailer hitch receiver from 1/4-inch plate in your home shop. The steel is clean, your AC welder is set up, and you want the strongest joint possible.
The Decision
Both rods deliver 70,000 psi tensile. E7018 gives you low-hydrogen deposits with better impact toughness for a hitch that absorbs shock loads on every bump. E7014 runs easier and does not need a rod oven. If this hitch will see highway towing, E7018 is the safer pick.
The Wrong Pick
Using E7014 on a safety-critical hitch receiver saves you the hassle of rod oven storage but trades away the crack resistance you want in a component that sees repeated shock loading.
In Your Hands
E7014: E7014 runs smooth and fast. Heavy iron powder coating means high deposition. The bead lays down flat with minimal effort. The slag self-peels. It feels like the easy version of E7018.
E7018: E7018 is slightly stiffer. The arc has more body. The puddle moves slower and the slag is heavier. You earn the bead instead of the rod doing the work for you. The extra effort shows in the joint strength.
Which to Learn First
E7014 is the bridge rod between E6013 and E7018. If E7018 feels too stiff or your slag keeps trapping, spend a few days on E7014 to build your drag technique before going back to E7018.
Practical Differences
| Factor | E7014 | E7018 |
|---|---|---|
| Fume Level | Medium (0.5-0.9 g/min) | Medium-Low (0.3-0.6 g/min) |
| Storage | Standard dry storage | Rod oven required |
| Common Brands | Fleetweld 47, Hobart 14A | Excalibur 7018 MR, Jetweld LH-78MR |
Where to Buy
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E7014 vs E7018: Common Questions
Which is better, E7014 or E7018?
It depends on the joint and your equipment. Key differences: Coating type: E7014 has iron powder titania, while E7018 has low-hydrogen iron powder. Hydrogen level: E7014 has standard (not controlled), while E7018 has low hydrogen (h4 or h8 class). Impact toughness: E7014 has not specified by aws, while E7018 has 20 ft-lbs at -20f. Check the spec differences above and pick based on your actual situation.
Can I substitute E7014 for E7018?
No. Different rod, different behavior. E7014 runs on AC/DCEP/DCEN, E7018 on DCEP/AC. Your machine decides. Coating chemistry is different (iron powder titania vs low-hydrogen iron powder), so the arc and slag behave differently.
Can I use both E7014 and E7018 on the same joint?
E7014 fills a niche: non-critical fillet welds on mild steel where you want to move fast. Think equipment frames, non-structural brackets, and general shop fabrication where code compliance is not required. E7018 covers everything E7014 does plus all the code work. The trade-off is that E7018 costs more per pound and requires a rod oven. If you do not have a rod oven and your work is not inspected, E7014 is a solid choice for flat and horizontal fillets.
Reference data only. Verify all settings against manufacturer documentation and the applicable welding code before use. Amperage ranges are starting points that vary by position, fit-up, and material. Welding involves serious injury risks including burns, electric shock, fume exposure, and fire. This site does not replace proper training, certification, or employer safety procedures. See full terms of use.
Data sourced from AWS A5.1/A5.1M.