student needs help

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here is what i have........2G 3/8 plate with 30 deg bevel on both pieces and a 1/8 inch gap tacked.......1/8 in  7018 rod and welder set at about 115 amp..........my problem is that when i try to get complete penetration on the root pass ..i am creating a huge key slot ....and when i turn my amps down to about 85to 95 i don't get any penatration........anybody got any tricks thanks jamesp.s. i have a 1/8in land on each bevel
Reply:put 7018 down run root pass 5P+ , I don't use a landing , feathered edge and run root about 85 to 90 amps not to fast of travel speed , watch key hole to judge travel speed . get root complete then grind wagon tracks clean and hot pass with 5P+ at around 100 amps , brush slag then start with 7018
Reply:If you are required to do the complete joint with 7018 try running your root straight polarity... electrode negative.
Reply:Try changing the rod angle also. Sometimes you can push a weld and not burn a big keyhole. just a thought.
Reply:dam............ never even thought of switching my polarity.........thanks guy's.....or gals
Reply:If you are fussy with your fitting,and use straight polarity you can put that root in in a style like TEK mentions.  The flux will ride on the sides of the root opening and almost no arc will be visible as you drag it along.