Why do practice beads not...

[sea2summit]

Bractice beads seconds before weld, pretty proud, feeling good.


So weld


Ohhh well, more practicing

 

[Captain Dirty]

Downhand beads on flat plate are the easiest, working with round stock is much more difficult, as you have discovered.
I often find my first bead looks good, the second is worse, and the next worse than the one before. About the time I finish a project I might be proud of my beads.

 

[tomplum]

It looks like you took a wire wheel to remove the coating which is good, if you got it removed in the area at and around the weld. I will tell you that sometimes it can be the steel that you are welding too. Prep some scrap and keep trying. Practice makes perfect!

 

[yomax4]

Your weld will hold. Only advice is get in a comfy position to weld, use both hands to steady if possible, watch puddle not arc and don't go too fast. The puddle will tell you what to do. Good Luck !!

 

[WranglerX]

Flux core wire?

Dale

 

[Industrial Toys]

By the time I finish and have made things halfway decent, I have WAY too much filler. My welding friend, always just says, when inspecting my welds, well, you used enough weld!

I think, it's all because I just can't see worth a crap!

 

[sea2summit]

Flux core wire?

Dale

Stick all the way, I ain’t no cheater...yet

 

[metalbender]

Just like shooting, you need a scope to see the target. A cheater lens for your helmet will make life a lot easier.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I tried a cheater lense and it helped. Maybe it's my helmet. If there is a seam between two peices, I simply can't see it when the welding starts. I just drive off course into the rhubard!

 

[WranglerX]

Of you are having trouble seeing your weld process get cheater lenses in helmet... I weld with 2.5 (or maybe 3 ) diopter lenses and it helps immensely, specially after cataract surgery in both eyes.... Also put lot of light in area of weld, sounds silly because you use dark lenses to shield eyes from arc.... BUT it helps.... I have small but powerful LED light taped to my helmet so I can direct it to where I need to see.....IF in shop put quartz work lights focused on welding project...

Also you can highlight a "seam" (butt weld) with white or silver or black paint markers and no it will not contaminate the weld....

Have been considering something like this image below, if I can find right lamp assembly....

Dale

 

[metalbender]

I like the light idea, have the same problem seeing where to go when the fit-up is tight, which is unavoidable in some instances.

 

[sea2summit]

You guys are running lights with auto darkening helmets?

 

[radios1]

You guys are running lights with auto darkening helmets?

I do, it lets you see what you are welding when the arc starts and welding begins, because the auto darkening helmet darkens at that time, and you can't see without a good light source at that time..

 

[NoPaint]

I run a LED flood light if I’m working in a big area like a truck cab. The helmet darkens to shield the dangerous wavelengths and the flood light gives clarity even though the helmet has shaded. Of course you dont always have the space or time to light up the work piece but it really helps when I do.

 

[dragoneggs]

I think the bright light on the work area helps reduce the contrast or 'dynamic range' between the arc and the surrounding area just in front of the puddle. I know bright lighting helps me stay on track.

 

[WranglerX]

You guys are running lights with auto darkening helmets?

Why would you not.... Headlight help you see in the dark.....

Try it before you question it....

Get small but powerful LED flashlight and duct tape it to top of helmet, be sure to aim it to same point where your vision is when striking arc....

Its just a LED head that snaps on 9 volt battery...

Dale

 

[WranglerX]

You guys are running lights with auto darkening helmets?

Why would you not.... Headlight help you see in the dark.....

Try it before you question it....

Get small but powerful LED flashlight and duct tape it to top of helmet, be sure to aim it to same point here your vision is when striking arc....

$4.72 - 9 Volt 6 LED Pocket Flashlight FLD-12667

Might start a what I call a "visual search" (instead of text) for ideas here...

welding helmet with lights - Google Search

Also clean front and rear of lenses of helmet and replace plastic lens shields.... Once they get cloudy with smoke particals it is hard to see and plastic shields do become scratched and crudded up from just plain use....

Dale

 

[sea2summit]

Why would you not.... Headlight help you see in the dark.....

Try it before you question it....

Get small but powerful LED flashlight and duct tape it to top of helmet, be sure to aim it to same point where your vision is when striking arc....

Its just a LED head that snaps on 9 volt battery...

Dale

I’m questioning trying to figure out how it’s helping. Didn’t know if it was supposed to help non-auto darkening more to see where they’re starting the arc etc.

Guess I’ll newb somewhere else.

 

[ruffdog]

Try practicing on similar base metals. Heavy and thick base metal will act much differently than thinner material. Different conditions mean different amps, travel speed, rod, angle, and technique. Also, experience will help you get into a comfortable position while welding. No, I do not use a auto-darkening helmet.

 

[WranglerX]

I’m questioning trying to figure out how it’s helping. Didn’t know if it was supposed to help non-auto darkening more to see where they’re starting the arc etc.

Guess I’ll newb somewhere else.

It going to light up the path where you are pushing/pulling the bead..... A.D. or standard helmet does not matter it lights the way for the weld process..... The more ambient light you can flood into the area with the easier to see where you want to run bead....

Its like using a flashlight lighting a path in the night....

Dale