Professional Welders

[Cord]

There are a couple of forums that really look down a long nose at the amature welders out there. Personally, I try to not do this because I've been on the other side as a DIYer enough times. That said, I tend to put the pros on a pedestal and expect something approaching perfection from them. Too often I'm disappointed when they fail to reach that level. This would be an example. Made a site visit the other day and thought I'd check in to see how some structural welding was progressing. The project was to weld some stainless 3/8" plate to some 1/4" angle. The location was very tight and cramped and would suck for welding. The job was outside so the process was stick and the welds were vertical up. Tough conditions. but the welder was a certified professional hired from a union shop.

 

[nybirdman]

At one time I was a certified nuclear pipe welder;I don't look down on any-one trying to learn;in fact I used to be an instructor for our apprentice/journeyman local.I also taught in the prison system.
Stainless steel stick is one of the hardest to make look good;the only thing worse is stick aluminum.
Stainless heli-arc is a breeze,mild steel is easy ;again aluminum is not fun.

 

[Tractor Seabee]

In my younger days as a UA union foreman, general foreman, and superintendent that welder would be sent back to the hall to spend some time in the local's training shop practicing. The dispatcher agreed with me that he needed to have his certification pulled till he could re-pass the test. No excuse because it was SS. I have done my share of stick rod SS and carbon steel in hard places. That is just part of the trade.

Ron

 

[Egon]

I would suggest lack of penetration and perhaps some burn thru. Whatever Sheild Arc says will be the answere.

 

[Shield Arc]

Cord you are running waaaaaaaaaay too cold. Turn up the AMPS!
Here is a stainless steel weld on mild steel. See how the weld flows?

 

[dragoneggs]

Yikes, He might as well have used glue!

 

[stuckmotor]

A couple of those look like Bubba's eight dollar an hour welds.

 

[4570Man]

A couple of those look like Bubba's eight dollar an hour welds.

Don't insult Bubba like that!

 

[stuckmotor]

Don't insult Bubba like that!

Oh! :ashamed: Sorry Bubba.

 

[cqaigy2]

For the most part, this is a good place for constructive criticism.

 

[Cord]

Cord you are running waaaaaaaaaay too cold. Turn up the AMPS!
Here is a stainless steel weld on mild steel. See how the weld flows?

Appreciate the feedback, but you have to reread post #1. My stainless welds look a lot better than these. Contrary to the above, I've actually found stainless to be pretty easy to stick weld. I'm the guy who writes the report to the owner saying they might have a problem and it's time to hire consultant to inspect the welder's work.

 

[Shield Arc]

Cord, I was on the phone when I read your 1st post. After I posted I reread your 1st post, and seen it was not you who did the welding. Sorry about that!

 

[Tractor Seabee]

For some unknown reason I was deleted from this thread.

Ron

 

[rustyshakelford]

Appreciate the feedback, but you have to reread post #1. My stainless welds look a lot better than these. Contrary to the above, I've actually found stainless to be pretty easy to stick weld. I'm the guy who writes the report to the owner saying they might have a problem and it's time to hire consultant to inspect the welder's work.

I hope you reported the poor work and the "welder" will get some union hall time practicing. No is no excuse for that poor of a product. There was zero pride in his work he was being fairly compensated for.

Brett

 

[pgk]

Wow! Definitely to cold.. I'm amazed that he just left it that way..


Pete

 

[muddstopper]

Well, if you dont like my welds, just say so!
Really not my welds, but I do lack the ability to make decent vertical welds. I usually end up welding and grinding and rewelding 2 or 3 times before I get it right. I would never pass a vertical welding test, but have found that by the 3rd or 4th attempt, I am making decent welds. Practice and more practice and I can get it done. I dont pick up a welding rod everyday so I will never be as good as those that do. Most of my welding projects start out looking like crap, but by the time its complete, and I have worn out a box of grinding wheels and burnt up a couple of grinders, I can make them look pretty good.

 

[Oldpath05]

To me it looks like stainless rod is used on regular steel, either way that weld would not pass where I work and the guy would not of passed through the welding school to begin with. Tight hard to get at areas.........try welding on Navy ships, lot of times with mirrors.

 

[jaxs]

There are a couple of forums that really look down a long nose at the amature welders out there. Personally, I try to not do this because I've been on the other side as a DIYer enough times. That said, I tend to put the pros on a pedestal and expect something approaching perfection from them. Too often I'm disappointed when they fail to reach that level. This would be an example. Made a site visit the other day and thought I'd check in to see how some structural welding was progressing. The project was to weld some stainless 3/8" plate to some 1/4" angle. The location was very tight and cramped and would suck for welding. The job was outside so the process was stick and the welds were vertical up. Tough conditions. but the welder was a certified professional hired from a union shop.

In all fairness,I've seen average people look down their noses at union welders. I worked at a Sears store near downtown Dallas in the 60s and 70s when several skyscrapers were under construction. The welders would wear their doo rags and little welding caps shopping during lunch and after work. Many sales people would hide in the stock room to avoid serving the welders. I have to agree the welders were generally pretty abrasive.

 

[ray66v]

Looks like the same mistake, repeated 8 times. :thumbsup:

I'll never understand, why people try the same thing that didn't work, again and again? :confused3:

But, it seems to be a popular method of failing.

 

[KenB2920]

I should show you guys my welds. You guys would have a field day. I have now turned on the welder maybe 10 - 15 times total. I’ve managed to stick metal together to get what I need to accomplish done and functional.

I would like to take a class or get some good hands on lessons. Unfortunately when I need something done, it’s fire it up and make it happen and move on.

I’m using a Miller: generator/welder my father in law passed on. It’s a stick and a TON of fun to use. Used it yesterday and today for a bit.