Welding Tips and Tricks

OK I posted this is another form but I wanted to post it here also because I feel this form is very helpful. I have been welding for two weeks and the attached photo is my first attempt at true welding and running some beads so please don't laugh too hard. I was using 6011, 6013 and 7018AC/DC+ rods all at 95 amps. This issue I am having is with travel speed and rod angle. I am burning thru thinner metal and I still can not define a true puddle.

I know it varied between rods but, is there a good starting point for rod angle and travel speed?

What position?

Were these all done flat?

What size rods?

How thick was the metal you were running these beads on?

Steve S

IronManJay.

One aspect of welding is explaining how the weld was performed ... which is essentially a welding procedure.
Welds that need to conform to Client's specification, to the Fabricator's procedures, and to Codes ... will require a procedure.
A procedure has a number of welding variables that need to recorded.
In the two weeks since you have began welding, to some of those variables you have been introduced.

My recommendation, is for you to keep a little pocket notebook close by, and jot down those variables for each type of weld you are working on. As you progress, you can add more welding information, explaining how to weld that type of joint.

Do not get spooked, but I have attached a link with an example of a blank welding procedure.
Note the categories of the variables with various informations on: Procedure identification, Joints, Base metal, Filler metal, Welding positions, Preheat, PWHT, Gas, Electrical characteristics, and Technique. I recommend you glances at this form on and off, as you progress with your welding, those blanks on the form, will automatically start to fill up. To be able to communicate to another welder, it helps to describe your weld using variables.
http://files.asme.org/asmeorg/Codes/Pub ... /14260.pdf

Enjoy welding.
Alexa

I suggest using one rod until you learn it's characteristics. 6010 is cheap and makes a definite puddle. Those pointed ripples in your weld beads show to fast of travel speed. Slow down until you make round ripples. If you start making square looking ripples then your to slow. Changing amperage just changes electrode burn off rate not arc temperature. So if you increase amperage your really increasing travel speed. Travel speed under the hood completely depends on how the puddle looks while welding. A nice round puddle makes round ripples in the bead regardless of rod type. Until you get to stainless stick that's when there is no puddle lol. Seeing the puddle is the necessity in welding. After that you can learn how to Manipulate it. Good luck!

Vince