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I need to build up the half rounds a bit on one of my buckets.Wonder if my mig standard welding wire is good enough for this.Seems to me I've heard E11018 is harder better,not sure just what people do for this.
11018 is for T1 steel. If you use it on mild steel it can crack because it isn't as ductile. If you're just building up because steel is worn down, I'd probably use build up rod. It's not full hardfacing but medium hardness and doesn't mushroom like 7018 or std. Mig welding. It can be deposited in multiple layers. Some pics. would help.
from personal experience i would want the bucket build up softer than the coupler build up to insure the bucket wears before the coupler, we just use er70 on the bucket half moons and wedge slot and haven't had an issue
Building up both with build up rod or even hardfacing would be the best. Not practical to do from the factory but would give greatly increased life if done at the outset.
MIG wire will work for buildup, especially if you’re just restoring shape, but for higher wear areas many go with a harder rod like E11018. Good prep and layering help avoid issues like long path tool crack over time.