Single pass SMAW bead width

twice the diamater of the rod.

When you try to go too wide you get slag inclusions at the edges. If you are really good and can hold the flux back you end up with fine porosity. Somewhere in the past I recollect five diameters is the maximum running a bead on the flat. That means a 1/8th electrode would give you a acceptable 5/8th inch wide bead. Holding back and trying to make a massive deposit often creates quality problems. It is much better to run stringer beads. Randy