[JDIGGS82]

Today's shot think I'm starting to give you a run

[Mongol]

Mongol,
Thanks, I appreciate that! I have been running 1/8" gap and 1/16" land. Will try your specs tomorrow.
-Jonathan

Let us know how it goes.

[Superiorwelding]

Today's shot think I'm starting to give you a run

NICE! You have it now!
-Jonathan

[coldman]

Well, here's the cap. As usual, it's the last weld that finally looks like I know what I'm doing, and I won't likely do another like this for months.

@ Coldman, the material is 304, 3/4" pipe. The stubs off the valve are gun-barrel (scd. xxs) that I've transitioned to sch. 160 to match the pipe it's welded to. (xxs was specified because they were NPT threaded fittings, rather than simple socket-welds. I made a point of burying the threads completely, making the "socket" welds a bit oversize, but doesn't look out of place on the large fittings.) The filler is plain 'ol 308l. Root and fill done with 1/16" rod, the cap with 3/32.



Static tested to 2000 psi, to prove the valve wasn't damaged by the weld heat. Leaving the pressure in for the weekend as a retention test. After x-ray, the client will be sending specialists to test it at 9600 psi and calibrate all the sensors and switches.

Steve S

Thanks Steve,
On small bore butts I use 3/32" filler for the root pass, lay wire with a fast weave motion to stop over penetration, and 1/16" cap to keep it flat. Complete opposite to your method but with similar results. Funny how different methods work for different people!

[Superiorwelding]

Mongol,
Thanks, I appreciate that! I have been running 1/8" gap and 1/16" land. Will try your specs tomorrow.
-Jonathan

Let us know how it goes.

Well did not get a chance to practice any today. I will admit I am getting a little discouraged with this one. I normally don't have this many problems or take this ling to figure something out. I think the day off from testing will probably do me some good and be able to come back with a clear head.
-Jonathan

[Mongol]

Clearing your head will probably do more for you than adjusting any numbers.

[Superiorwelding]

Clearing your head will probably do more for you than adjusting any numbers.

I think you are right. I am just missing something simple. I will get it, I always do.....eventually
I talked to a CWS friend today and he said pulse down root, up fill and cap. This has been my best luck so far anyway, I just have to get it down. I have never had to take a 6G mig and think I am just nervous for no reason. I have found I do best on tests to just come in and not think about it and get it done. This is how I have taken my AWS D1.1 and 6G SMAW. What's funny is I do fine (in my opinion) on a real world weld but am choking so far on this test.
I appreciate your help.
-Jonathan

[Mongol]

I think just having the word "test" in there is messing with you.

When I was in welding school a company came and offered to test students for a potential job; though it was mostly to get our feet wet on weld tests. It was 6g 2"XXH downhill mig on the root and uphill FCAW the rest of the way. My practices were pretty good. Then come test day, and as I'm putting the last bead down on my cap my brain falls out my ass. Basically I must have spaced out, or something, and the top bead cut across the highway and crashed into my first bead.

I think if it wasn't for the word "test" I may not have made that mistake, but oh well. I laughed it off and no longer get nervous taking weld tests. I didn't even know what my weld test was going to be for my current job. I did what I knew, got the job, and now my welds are almost a night and day difference from when I started.

You'll be fine.

[AKweldshop]

I find it hard to get nervous taking a welding test... though I've never taken one.

It should be like any other weld you make.

Don't rush, stay focused, keep calm....

Its mainly when you think your the best, your to worried about failing.

That's where your nerves come in....

IMVHO.

~John

[Superiorwelding]

I would never say I am the best, however I have everyone looking at me as the "example". I think I am more frustrated than nervous. What's funny is I can weld all day long in front of the guys and choice others but when I have to pass a test sometimes I still choke. I know I can/will pass but the thought of failing never goes away. I find it funny that I am normally answering questions here and now I am asking. Come to think of it I don't get nervous if I am going to post weld pictures here and this is in front of the world. I will get pictures up if I get a chance to practice tomorrow.
-Jonathan

[AKweldshop]

Johnathan,

I wasn't directly referring to you personally.

Just the concept in general.

~John

[Superiorwelding]

Yea I know, just keeping conversation going
-Jonathan

[JDIGGS82]

What does one need to do to certify through aws? Just out of curiosity

[AKweldshop]

I believe you just schedule an appointment at an aws acredited test facility.... about $300

Jody says it way better.

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/wel ... ation.html

[JDIGGS82]

I have to agree that was an interesting read!

[Superiorwelding]

What does one need to do to certify through aws? Just out of curiosity

Some things to chew on. You don't have to certify AWS. This will depend on what you are wanting to certify to or the field you are in. As a example, if you want to weld in a shop doing structural steel you can take a AWS test. If you are doing high pressure pipe, ASME. If you are doing high pressure gas pipe in the field, API. In many cases the actual tests are the same or similar.
Another thing to consider is if you work at a facility that holds a ASME or AWS cert, they can qualify there and not be technically "certified" through ASME or AWS.
And last, as a side note, if you take a AWS test through your employer and choose to leave, you loose that certification.
-Jonathan

[JDIGGS82]

I'm just curious what to take as to make myself more valuable I'm trying to get out of production think I have come to a point where I am at where there isn't much,room to advance want to get into something making a little more money production around here doesn't pay great it's ok

[Superiorwelding]

I'm just curious what to take as to make myself more valuable I'm trying to get out of production think I have come to a point where I am at where there isn't much,room to advance want to get into something making a little more money production around here doesn't pay great it's ok

Well the first questions I would ask are what kind of industry is around you and what would you like to do? This will ultimately determine which direction test wise you go. Also, you do not have to take a test at a accredited facility. You can take a test with a witness and send it in to a AWS accredited/approved testing lab and they will do the testing and give you your cert, assuming one passes This has the drawback of not having anyone there to help you but if you are confident in taking the test this will save you some money.
I was actually thinking about you being a production welder today. The reality is, you will/have learned a lot that will make you a asset to other companies. Since you were practicing your vert ups on your personal break, I see a willingness to learn in you. I believe you would have this same dedication on your production welds and would have picked up quite a bit. If you have learned the little tricks for speed or better quality, this will be something you can take to another job. Experience is your best friend. I will hire true experience over 10 certs any day.
-Jonathan

[JDIGGS82]

I plan on moving out to Pennsylvania next year so im trying to figure out whats out that way I don't mind production I try to challenge myself everyday even though i see a lot of the same parts over and over lol by trying to get faster or different technique to make the weld appearance better they are big on the stacked dimes look its high end mustang 2 type suspension stuff for muscle cars and street rods. I think structural would be a fun one to get into im not to sure about Pipe I dont really know anyone who has done much pipe work so my experience is limited as far as that goes i like creating or fixing things thats when i get my most enjoyment and when i feel my best The owner of this place is a decent guy but the other welders drive me crazy i know its gonna be that way wherever you go though lol they know it all but at the same time know nothing and i by no means know everything either not saying that I had one guy tell me he was checking his regulator for leaks and his line because he didn't want any big leaks because he doesn't want to blow up lmao i chuckled thinking he was kidding he was dead serious lmao all in all its a decent place but the money just isn't there but money isnt everything either i have gained some heavy experience doing a lot of pulsed mig so who knows lol time will tell ok ive rambled quite a bit here im done lol

[Otto Nobedder]

Single best shop in PA is Herr & Sacco, in Mt. Joy.

Google 'em

I have the VPs cell #

Steve S

[mcoe]

What part of Penn.? My brother in law welds pipe and the company he works for is based out of Ohio. They do a lot of work in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. We are located in West Virginia and they do a lot of work here.

[JDIGGS82]

mccoe it would be northeast pa wilkes barre area preferred but i am not against other areas

[Otto Nobedder]

Herr & Sacco is about 30 miles SSE of Harrisburg.

Steve S

[JDIGGS82]

Thanks steve! how the 2000 psi hold over the weekend?

[Otto Nobedder]

Thanks steve! how the 2000 psi hold over the weekend?

Lost 300 PSI on 72 hours. That's a pass, since three pressure safeties were exposed to that. Those are nver "perfect" tight under pressure.

X-ray will apparently happen Saturday, and I get OT to be there. The equipment was delivered today to pressure the system up for test at 9600 PSI.

BTW, if you get a chance to work at Herr & Sacco, jump on it. Top hands, all, and a learning experience. (And a beautiful, new, fully equipped shop...)

Steve S