Which rod / electrode to use?

[oldnslo]

I purchased a set of drive-in style forks ( see picture) and have to weld the hooks onto the top of my FEL bucket. Bucket is 3/16" thick and 6" flat area for the hooks to be welded too. Would using 6011 for root pass and 7018AC for the top pass be the correct choice of rods for doing this or could I just run 7018AC for all the passes? I have a Lincoln 225 AC welder.

 

[Shield Arc]

6011 for the root pass is a great idea. Or you could grind a knife edge on the bottom of the hook, space the hook up a 1/16-inch or so and use 7018 all the way. I have done open root pipe with 7018, this is the results.

 

[oldnslo]

Thanks Shield,
Since my welding skills have not gotten better with age, I will use 6011 and 7018AC. Hopefully I can get the helmet situated so the bifocals work and can get the job done. Bifocals and repair work just don't mix...

 

[Shield Arc]

I know what you mean! I can't wear my walking around glasses for welding. By the time I find the right spot, I have a big glob of metal setting there. I have one pair of reading glasses for SMAW, and GMAW, then another pair for GTAW.