Welding Tips and Tricks

I recently was reminded while working on a truck at work that I am absolutely atrocious at uphill or downhill. For 99% of my work, my go to rods are 3/32 and 1/8' 6013, and 7018 but for some reason mentally I just cannot seem to figure out how to run a good weld that has any value as a weld. Typically it's something so ugly it could be a modern art masterpiece.

What can I generally do to learn how to make uphill welds that have some functional purpose? Usually I just say F____ it and grab the trusty MIG if I'm expected to have it done in a short period of time.

jody has some good video's on it. you might see what your missing.

6013's are probably the hardest rod to use.
i would use 7018, tho 7016 is a tad easier.

might be worthwhile posting a pic or two. maybe someone can see whats going wrong of that. i'm not all that good at it, so i will leave it to others.

Heat control and rod angle are likely the two variables that need attention.

For 7018 uphil, 1/8 rod I’d be running my machine at about 115-118 amps. I am 122-125 all day long in flat, horizontal or overhead.

If you are peeking over the top of the rod to see the puddle, then likely you are laying the rod too much pointed uphill. Move to the side if possible, keep your rod “almost straight in” because that will create a slight uphill angle anyway. Travel speed is the same as flat. Count out loud if you need to so you tie in the toes to the side. Whip across the middle.

See if any of that helps.

Thanks! Rod angle is probably my largest issue as I'm thinking about it with what I do. I definitely need to improve that, and I suspect my welds will dramatically improve in quality and strength.