Welding Tips and Tricks

LtBadd wrote:1/2" isn't that big, you can use a backer but not necessary. just start on the edge and fill as you move around it, no special settings for gas flow needed.

I would start at the edge and move around filling as you go, when the hole closes up, you'll need to then fill to the surface of the material

Will you be able to turn this over and fill the back side or do you need to get 100% penetration from just 1 side? It's easier if you can turn the part over and fill from the back side.

If your filling the hole just for cosmetic appearance then a slug could be used, but again, 1/2" hole isn't too big to just weld it up

If you choose to use a backer I'd use copper because I have that, but it will pull heat away from the weld, and that will vary depending on how thick the copper is, just watch the puddle and weld as you normally would.




yeah , I got a foot pedal ..just learning to use it i guess , lol. I can move around to the back side later and weld. I tried using a slug but I popped it out after welding it , didnt stick .lol. I guess I need to work on my puddle control . I have saw plenty of videos where people fill them laying flat , but never vertical. everything drips out, lol

You complain of too little or too much heat, are you using a foot pedal?

LtBadd wrote:1/2" isn't that big, you can use a backer but not necessary. just start on the edge and fill as you move around it, no special settings for gas flow needed.

I would start at the edge and move around filling as you go, when the hole closes up, you'll need to then fill to the surface of the material

Will you be able to turn this over and fill the back side or do you need to get 100% penetration from just 1 side? It's easier if you can turn the part over and fill from the back side.

If your filling the hole just for cosmetic appearance then a slug could be used, but again, 1/2" hole isn't too big to just weld it up

If you choose to use a backer I'd use copper because I have that, but it will pull heat away from the weld, and that will vary depending on how thick the copper is, just watch the puddle and weld as you normally would.




yeah , I got a foot pedal ..just learning to use it i guess , lol. I can move around to the back side later and weld. I tried using a slug but I popped it out after welding it , didnt stick .lol. I guess I need to work on my puddle control . I have saw plenty of videos where people fill them laying flat , but never vertical. everything drips out, lol

You complain of too little or too much heat, are you using a foot pedal?