Ugly beads, critics welcome...

[GManBart]

Unless you're doing code welding work, I wouldn't worry too much about not having a rod oven. Sure 7018 runs so nice right out of the oven! But it's not a perfect world.
Here check out this thread.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/welding/270296-wet-7018-a.html?highlight=

Great thread and pics!

 

[LittleBill21]

go weld some rusty exhaust and let me know how goes it!

 

[GManBart]

Did some fillet welds, but ran out of stock, so I tried this square tubing....this was the best of the four sides. Still needs lots of work! This was with 1/8th 7018...not sure I had the amperage correct or not. It was getting dark so the picture isn't great....sorry.

 

[Shield Arc]

Little cold.
Do a little up and down movement. Hold for just a second on the upper part, give the puddle a chance to fill. Gravity will take care on the bottom for you.

 

[Shield Arc]

Here is a picture of what I mean by up and down movement.

 

[GManBart]

Little cold.
Do a little up and down movement. Hold for just a second on the upper part, give the puddle a chance to fill. Gravity will take care on the bottom for you.

I feel better after reading this. I was increasing the amperage each of the three prior beads and it got a little better each time. I left the setting where it was, and have another piece of square tubing so I can bump it up a little and try again.

 

[GManBart]

go weld some rusty exhaust and let me know how goes it!

I looked and couldn't find the exhaust pipe I had a while back...must have taken it to the scrap yard the last run.

 

[LittleBill21]

I looked and couldn't find the exhaust pipe I had a while back...must have taken it to the scrap yard the last run.

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

 

[Arc weld]

When 7018 is too hot the rod will glow red hot close to the stinger and sometimes melt before you finish the rod. Had that happen today with some 3/32"so turned the heat down a tad. On your weld with the tubing turn your heat up and go a little slower. Most books say to angle the rod 45 deg's to the joint. I tilt it down a little more so the puddle washes up the vertical plate easier.

 

[12Bravo]

My shop is always open to members here! Several members have been to my shop for help with their welding.

Long trip to WA from TN....But it might be worth it.....