Welding Tips and Tricks

Here is a better pic of what I'm talkin about. Notice the slag on the left side..what can i do to prevent this? It's always on that top bevel. I purposely hold the top longer. As for the slag, I'm able to grind most of it out...but I want to be able to correct this. I'm tempted to start running stringers all the way out to the cover pass...I'm just so used to weaving. I'd like to be able to not have to grind, I understand that's part of the deal..but on the hot pass, I have to grind a lot. Anyone ever had this problem?

What is your arc length? Vert up and 6g I run a very tight arc length so the arc wont wander and cause undercut. Looks to me like the slag in there is pretty minimal and you should be able to knock that out with a half round file pretty easy. Hold the sides and be quick across the middle with a tight arc. I think its looking good just keep at it.

SkyDawg

How good are your rods?
Oven? Brand?
Condition of rods can make a lot of difference.

~John

That's a good point AK.

SkyDawg,
I think it is looking good. The grinding will go down as your skill/seat time goes up. My first few 6G 2" practice pieces required a lot of grinding. I know you don't want to grind and it can be embarrassing when others hear the grinder fire up, but are you allowed to use the grinder to pass this test? If you are use it and pass. I AM NOT saying to just overlook your problems, or not to learn how to pass with just a file, but a lot of real life conditions will allow the use of a grinder. You will obviously get more satisfaction from passing without the grinder...just some thoughts.
Hold those sides a little longer and I think your slag problem will go away.
It also could be your rods. A little story....When we go to Brazil we are always at the mercy at what ever they have around. They have a 5 gallon bucket full of 7018 that has been who knows where and has enough moisture to fill the bucket, but we have no choice to use them and get back home. There will be times when you may not have all the variables correct and have to just go with the flow. This time when we go, we have already shipped sealed 7018's down for our use only.

Hey Superior,

What kinda gig you got? I wouldn't mind getting in on some work in like that.

hey guys,
I really appreciate all of the advice on this subject..its been great. After reading thru your stuff..I guess I may just be over thinking/over reacting...which is good news to me. Superior, I can use a grinder and definitely will, haha. I took a test last week and failed it with a 1/2" slag inclusion..pretty disappointed, but on to the next one. I have another one coming up soon...a few days from now..little nervous, but again, with the advice here and the fact that you don't think that the slag in the side is too bad, that makes me feel more at ease. About the rods..I bought some Lincoln Excalibur 7018MR (3/32)..took them out of the can and put directly into the oven. Started welding with them about an hour and half later and it almost seemed like the slag was even more rough to come off than the other Lincoln rods we have...that seriously frustrated me..I actually stopped welding and decide to take a break. It's just that stubborn hot pass that is getting me, it always leaves a little undercut in the bevel(s) and slag in the toes. I've tried every type of heat/dig combo within the specs...can't seem to find a sweet spot...it almost feels like I've regressed in the last week. Like i said, the fact that I will use a grinder and I only missed by 1/2 inch makes me feel a little more comfortable tho. Thanks to all who helped me out with advice, it is greatly appreciated and has definitely helped. I'll keep yall posted...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCdmlTxq1Co
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FBuscHRI9ko

Here's some 7018 uphill video's with some good arc shots.
Hope this helps,
John~

A hot pass generally doesn't mean your temp has to be higher....it's called that because it needs to be a good solid bead.


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Passed it!!

Where is that thumbs up button when you need it???? Good job man!!!

Got any pics?

SkyDawg,
Congratulations!!! So how did all your passed go? If you passed that must mean that you over came all obstacles. Hope this cert lands you a great job!!
-Jonathan

Thx a lot guys! Ya it was tough..but the grinder came in handy...ill get pics up here soon. Thx for all the help, I put all of that advice to use, and it helped. What a relief

My passes were pretty good. Again, the hot pass had some slag...had to grind carefully...but in the end it worked out. Cover pass went on nice and smooth, at least it felt pretty smooth. What I realized is that I have to find a way to calm my nerves a little bit...cuz the day after I tested...did some welding at work and things were clicking...no issues. Pics soon

I'm sure we can all understand the nerves. Gets even worse when its not I want this job but I NEED this job.

Arizona SA200 wrote:I'm sure we can all understand the nerves. Gets even worse when its not I want this job but I NEED this job.

Yeah, the "test anxiety" goes up exponentially when "need" is more important than "want"...

I've experienced it, and suffered because of it...



Steve S

Well said Otto, this was kind of a 'need to pass' for a 'want' gig..if that makes sense. Anywho, here are a few pics of the finished root and then the cap. Should have tried to get better shots. I also think they look a bit better in person. Bottom line is, I passed and the nerviness is over...for now.

Congratulations!

Nice root, in particular.

Bend test? Four bends (two root, two face), or six (add two side bends)?

Steve S

Haha..thx Steve. It's been a while man. You helped me a bit with my 3G welds last year I think...very informative. Actually it was Xray...been thru it already, so i was relieved to have passed.

That is a nice lookin root pass.

Excellent work my friend!!!
Congrats on passing the bend test!!!

Good luck on the job it lands you....

~John

Thx guys, ur help and advice is greatly appreciated...it really aided in my progress. Much obliged