Ugly beads, critics welcome...

[GManBart]

Sometimes when I get ready to stop, I'll close up the arc length, backup some, and make a small circle until the puddle fills up.

I actually experimented with that a bit as well...closing the arc, backing up a bit, then making a small circle, but I must not have waited long enough for the puddle to fill up. I think I'll just set up a piece of sock and practice stopping and filling in the puddle after running a very short bead.

 

[GManBart]

Here is a picture of what I'm talking about. See how the stop / puddle is full? I made a few small circles until the puddle fills up.

Show off :laughing: Just kidding, that's very nice!

 

[xryan]

Okay, so I've finally started learning to stick weld, and figured I'd give some of you a chuckle, or maybe you can make suggestions. I've spent maybe three hours putting down beads, so it's a huge understatement to say I have a lot to learn.

Only 3 hours? Don't put yourself down man. I've seen I've seen "weldors" that have been doing it for 3 years that look MUCH worse.

 

[ovrszd]

The reason SA is telling you to overlap the beads more is you are leaving a weak area between them. What he's wanting you to do is create an equally strong bead across them.

 

[bigdeano]

Those are nice looking welds. Try increasing the current and the beads should look smoother. Do some experimenting while you're learning.

 

[4570Man]

Those are nice looking welds. Try increasing the current and the beads should look smoother. Do some experimenting while you're learning.

It already looks pretty hot to me.

 

[GManBart]

Only 3 hours? Don't put yourself down man. I've seen I've seen "weldors" that have been doing it for 3 years that look MUCH worse.

Thanks! I think I'm up to 5 or 6 hours now :thumbsup:

 

[GManBart]

The reason SA is telling you to overlap the beads more is you are leaving a weak area between them. What he's wanting you to do is create an equally strong bead across them.

Absolutely. I did a few on the previous pad (not pictured) where I went a little too far the other way, then started on this one and overcompensated a bit. I was also probably spending more time trying different travel speeds and stick angle this time and sort of forgot to really overlap them enough. I'm hoping to have some time tomorrow evening to get all of that dialed in a little better.

I'm trying to set aside 30-60 minutes most evenings with the idea that most often it's easier to learn in small bites. It's still looking like a pretty big elephant to eat

 

[dragoneggs]

I didn't have time to fill the entire plate, but got a bit more than half way. Some stops and starts, a few ugly spots (lots?) and went off the reservation a couple of times, but more than anything, I think I'm relaxing enough that I can think about rod angle and travel speed a bit more. I definitely need to sort out finishing the bead better, but I'll get to that....more YouTube I guess! This was all 6011 rod....started at the top and worked my way down. I think I did one thing smart...positioned a fan to blow the fumes and smoke away from me...much nicer!

Don't listen to SA he is only a few weeks ahead of you. I say, that's just plain art, GMan!

 

[GManBart]

It already looks pretty hot to me.

It probably is on the high side, and I've gone up and down a little bit so far but not that much. I plan to try a big step colder here soon.