Ugly beads, critics welcome...

[GManBart]

Too cold and too fast. A 1/8" rod should burn about 6" on that material and give about a 1/4" fillet weld.

I did three pieces like that and increased the temp each time. This was the last one, so at least I was heading in the right direction, and I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. The piece was just under 8" long...didn't think to measure the fillet, but it I'd bet it was close to 1/4".

 

[Arc weld]

It looks small and the ripples on the bead are pointed which indicates too fast of travel speed.

 

[Shield Arc]

but it I'd bet it was close to 1/4".

You may never do code welding work. If you ever do, you will need a set of these. Generally getting the proper leg length is not a problem. Getting the proper throat is the hard part.

 

[GManBart]

You may never do code welding work. If you ever do, you will need a set of these. Generally getting the proper leg length is not a problem. Getting the proper throat is the hard part.

I can't imagine ever doing code work, but I still want to try doing things the right way, so they may be handy to have.

 

[Shield Arc]

When you do code work enough, you get to the point where you can make the size weld called out on the blue prints. It's like anything, you do enough of it, it becomes easy.
I've been on jobs where the welding inspectors would reject a weld for being 1/64" to small!

 

[sd455dan]

boo, go rip the exhaust off your car then, your prolly running out of stuff to weld anway

Mmm- exhaust pipe welding with stick??
That is one job that has always been a mig thing and now possibly tig for me, but each their own:thumbsup:

 

[ovrszd]

Xfaxman is right handed,,,,, that's the problem.......

 

[GManBart]

I took delivery of a 50lb can of Atom Arc 7018 today, so I had to run a couple of beads. I think I had a bit of an "Aha" moment tonight. This was 3/8" thick stock, so the first attempt was way too cold...cranked up the heat, finally really watched the puddle develop, and I think it looks quite a bit better...not great, but better. Sorry for the glare...makes it hard to see all the details, but it was dark outside, so this is under the LEDs in my shop.

 

[Shield Arc]

A lot better:thumbsup:. Still a little cold, you want the weld to flow!

 

[GManBart]

A lot better:thumbsup:. Still a little cold, you want the weld to flow!

Yeah, I underestimated how much it would take for the 3/8" stock! I'll probably grind off the weld, bump the heat up and try again.