Hi Superflux,
Are we talking about a low hydrogen multiple pass multi-layer weldment completed with the use of E-7018 electrodes, or of greater tensile strength???
Because if the answer to my question is yes, then I always have taught my students as I have also been taught that the first bead to be deposited on a 4F position joint after the root pass is always to be located where the center of the next electrode pass is maintained at the location of the bottom toe of the root pass @ a 40-45 degree work angle...
The tie in bead or pass to the over head plate with the vertical one should always be deposited in this manner... Locate the center of the electrode towards the top toe of the root pass which should still be visible if the second pass was deposited consistently and as I explained previously, and the work angle of the electrode for the tie in third pass should be at the very least 70 degrees in order to result in having equal legs on the cross sectional view of the fillet weld deposits as a whole.
The key to this method is the fact that when the lower pass is deposited first, it acts as a shelf for the tie in bead to the over head plate and all that needs to be remembered is the importance of changing the electrode angle once the tie in bead is to be deposited as well as using the proper work & travel angles and current which would enable the proper travel speed also... Finally, never use a push travel angle while depositing beads in the 4F position unless it is absolutely unavoidable - PERIOD!!!
So as one progresses to eventually reaches the point where all they need to do is to lay in the tie in bead/pass, the electrode work angle will always increase after the bottom or first pass is deposited for each layer and culminate with a much higher electrode work angle for the tie-in/top bead pass which completes each layer. ;)
This has always worked quite well for me and many others as I personally have deposited many, many pounds of low hydrogen electrodes (E-7018, 8018, 9018, 11018, 12018) in the exact type of positions while welding many different types of structures during my 35+ years as a welder and the same progression can be repeated over and over again if required to weld thicker sections also.
Respectfully,
Henry