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.