I took the 7018's back, not because of the DC only suggestion, but because in reading about them, they must be stored at 250 degrees. Otherwise they absorb moisture and will defeat the purpose of being a low hydrogen rod.
Apparently, a damp 7018 will release hydrogen when burned and cause a brittle weld. I'm not willing to store them properly, so I took them back. The package did say AC on it along with DC, but I will take your word that they would be hard to weld with.
That being said, I will use the 6011's I bought as the root weld and if need be, I will over weld it with 7014. I ordered a 5 lb. box of them on Amazon last night.
Thanks,
Larry W.
