Originally Posted by
Karl Robbers
Nope, full 6010 welds, run vertical down as stringer beads on many pipelines, the Americans do it all the time. The Cellulose flux on the 6010 really lends itself to this type of work as there in next to no slag left and therefore slag inclusions are less likely and this combined with their ability to penetrate like nothing else leads to a sound, X ray quality weld.
Under AS1554, 6010, 6011, 6012 and 6013 electrodes all meet the requirements for structural welds on everything up to and including Grade 300 steel.
While they have improved dramatically, Low Hydro's are still more difficult to run well for many people and they will get better results by using electrodes that they are familiar with, provided that electrode can meet the requirements of the job, which these can, as has been demonstrated.
I would probably use 16TC or Kobe LB 52's myself as I like the way they run, but standard rutile electrodes are more than adequate for the task.