Abstract: The present invention includes a mountable holster for a package of stick electrodes and methods for mounting electrodes to an operator. In a particular embodiment, a mountable holster includes an electrode storage cavity extending longitudinally between a top receiving end and a bottom retaining end, a first surrounding member extending laterally about a perimeter of the electrode storage cavity, the first surrounding member forming the top receiving end of the holster; a pair of vertical members each extending longitudinally about the cavity along opposite sides of the cavity between the first surrounding strap and the bottom retaining end; a leg band extending from the holster and configured to be secured about a leg of an operator; and, a belt mount extending from the holster and configured to be secured to a belt of the operator.

Abstract: A welding electrode and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The welding electrode includes a metallic electrode portion and a flux portion adjacent and attached to the metallic electrode portion. The flux portion includes a material including particles, wherein each of the particles includes a substrate and an outer layer. The outer layer includes aluminum and substantially coats the substrate.

Abstract: A welding electrode and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The welding electrode includes a metallic electrode portion and a flux portion adjacent and attached to the metallic electrode portion. The flux portion includes a material including particles, wherein each of the particles includes a substrate and an outer layer. The outer layer includes aluminum and substantially coats the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention includes a mountable holster for a package of stick electrodes and methods for mounting electrodes to an operator. In a particular embodiment, a mountable holster includes an electrode storage cavity extending longitudinally between a top receiving end and a bottom retaining end, a first surrounding member extending laterally about a perimeter of the electrode storage cavity, the first surrounding member forming the top receiving end of the holster; a pair of vertical members each extending longitudinally about the cavity along opposite sides of the cavity between the first surrounding strap and the bottom retaining end; a leg band extending from the holster and configured to be secured about a leg of an operator; and, a belt mount extending from the holster and configured to be secured to a belt of the operator.

Abstract: A package for a compacted stack of stick electrodes comprising a thin metal foil encapsulating the stack with at least one axial seam and two end closures. One end closure includes a generally flat end portion extending from the stack and terminating in a sealed section of the metal foil spaced outwardly from the stack. The flat end portion including a structure to open the package for access to the stack of electrodes. This package is used in combination with an elongated shipping carton with a vision opening exposing a package therein.

Abstract: A device for at least partially drying the outer coating on a stick electrode in the form of a generally straight center welding wire of magnetic metal with an axis and surrounded by an extruded pliant mass with a settable binder. The device comprises a conveyor to transport a succession of the electrodes along a given path, a multi-turn induction heating coil extending along the path and spaced from the moving electrodes and a power source for passing an alternating current through the coil to induce an alternating voltage difference in the wire to cause AC current flow in the wire to heat the wire.

Abstract: A welding electrode includes a sheath formed from a strip of metal having first and second edges. The sheath has an initial cross-sectional area and a second as-drawn cross-sectional area, and a core is received within the sheath. The second cross-sectional area is at least an 80% reduction of the initial cross-sectional area.

Abstract: A device for at least partially drying the outer coating on a stick electrode in the form of a generally straight center welding wire of magnetic metal with an axis and surrounded by an extruded pliant mass with a settable binder. The device comprises a conveyor to transport a succession of the electrodes along a given path, a multi-turn induction heating coil extending along the path and spaced from the moving electrodes and a power source for passing an alternating current through the coil to induce an alternating voltage difference in the wire to cause AC current flow in the wire to heat the wire.

Abstract: A package for a compacted stack of stick electrodes comprising a thin metal foil encapsulating the stack with at least one axial seam and two end closures. One end closure includes a generally flat end portion extending from the stack and terminating in a sealed section of the metal foil spaced outwardly from the stack. The flat end portion including a structure to open the package for access to the stack of electrodes. This package is used in combination with an elongated shipping carton with a vision opening exposing a package therein.