7018 penetration

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What do you think of my penetration on vertical 7018?10mm V plate, 1/8 gap, 3/32 rod at 70 amps, root pass, hot pass, face pass. I grinded on my restarts but you can still notice them on photos, any advice to a starter?One more question, would this pass on a test? what if it was on a pipe? Attached Images
Reply:7018 is not commonly used as an open root rod. The joint you have pictured is most often used when running the root with 6010 with the subsequent passes made with 7018.  "One more question, would this pass on a test? what if it was on a pipe? " cut a sample that would include one of your restarts and bend it round a 1.5" (38mm) round stock and see it the weld survives.
Reply:I see no need to grind restarts with 7018.  Once you get the hang of it, you should not be able to see them anyhow.  I leave a crater so I have a place to start instead of making one with a grinder. 7018 usually has a backer instead of open root.  Or use a double bevel and back gouge if needed.With 6010, go ahead and grind away.Cap is beautiful.  Didn't grind that did ya?Restarts need a little work on the previous passes.  Yer gettin it.You run the rod at what ever amps you want, but I run Lincoln 7018 at 85 on "buttery smooth"David Last edited by David R; 03-24-2009 at 07:29 PM.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.