6g SMAW Test - Page 1

SkyDawg · Sat Feb 15, 2014 2:48 am

John, I checked out that video, watched the whole thing. There were some really good shots of the puddle and whatnot...definitely took something from it...good recommendation. And AZSA200, I try not to grind to much either. I pretty much use a half round file, a wire wheel and a cut off wheel for cleaning up the root pass or any high spots I might have. I think the biggest thing for me was that I had my heat just a bit too high. I originally was welding the hot pass @ 95 amps w/ 3/32 7018--too hot for me. Since then I've been bringing it down little by little and things have been much more smooth, though I still need some more work. I'll be welding 6" in the 6G pos all next week when I get the time..so hopefully there will be improvements. I'll keep yall posted. All the info and advice is priceless..thank you all kindly.

Superiorwelding · Tue Feb 18, 2014 8:27 pm

SkyDawg,
How did your cover pass turn out?

SkyDawg · Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:38 am

I'm gonna post the cover pass any minute now. I'm still having a tough time with the hot pass, everything else feels pretty good. It's hard to see the problems in the pics tho. mainly, when I run my hot pass..I weave and my heat is around 87-90. The thing that is really frustrating is that I'm leaving little ripples of undercut in the bevel. I know I should be holding the sides, but it feels like I am. The slag doesn't come off nearly as well as the fill and cap passes, which tells me that something is wrong. Should I just be doing a slight weave on the hot pass? Like I said, its tough to see in the pic, but these little pockets of undercut trap slag, and im able to grind most of it out...but it feels like I must be doing something that I can fix...just frustrating is all. Thx for the help people, cover pass will be here in the next few hours with possibly a few other pics.

AKweldshop · Wed Feb 19, 2014 12:46 am

From what I've found throughout my years of trial and error, is that vertical stick hast to be a very tight amp range.
Vertical up with 1/8 7018 can be a mess if your to hot or to cold, or it can be so much fun, and be a very controlible puddle if your amps are just right.
I always try a rod on scrap before I do a weld on a part.
Just out of curiosity, why did you choose 3/32 rods?

SkyDawg · Wed Feb 19, 2014 1:05 am

That's a good question. To be honest, I feel I have a little bit more control with the 3/32 rods. Plus, I dont have to weld as hot with them as opposed to 1/8. I've been taking classes at a community college, and the way we do it there is, we use 3/32 for hot and fill passes..and then we would do a cap with 1/8..but this was on plate vertical up. It feels like that the groove is really tight on the hot pass when doing this 6G..maybe I should tighten up my weave for the hot pass, as opposed to spreading out the weld so much into each bevel..like almost a stringer but still a weave. The fill pass is really smooth for me..its just that hot pass...the slag is harder to remove and it seems that no matter how long i hold the sides, there's still some places where undercut is present...Ill try and take some better pics soon..Ill be welding another one up here shortly.

SkyDawg · Wed Feb 19, 2014 6:38 am

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?

Arizona SA200 · Thu Feb 20, 2014 6:49 pm

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.

AKweldshop · Thu Feb 20, 2014 6:55 pm

SkyDawg

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

~John

Arizona SA200 · Thu Feb 20, 2014 7:05 pm

That's a good point AK.

Superiorwelding · Thu Feb 20, 2014 8:55 pm

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.

Arizona SA200 · Thu Feb 20, 2014 9:00 pm

Hey Superior,

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

SkyDawg · Fri Feb 21, 2014 6:18 am

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...

AKweldshop · Fri Feb 21, 2014 11:14 pm

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~

Murlin · Mon Feb 24, 2014 9:09 am

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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SkyDawg · Wed Feb 26, 2014 10:02 pm

Passed it!!

Arizona SA200 · Wed Feb 26, 2014 10:14 pm

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

AKweldshop · Wed Feb 26, 2014 11:50 pm

Got any pics?

Superiorwelding · Wed Feb 26, 2014 11:59 pm

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

SkyDawg · Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:13 pm

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

SkyDawg · Thu Feb 27, 2014 6:17 pm

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

Arizona SA200 · Thu Feb 27, 2014 8:31 pm

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

Fri Feb 28, 2014 7:23 pm

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

SkyDawg · Sun Mar 02, 2014 1:59 pm

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.

Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 pm

Congratulations!

Nice root, in particular.

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

Steve S

SkyDawg · Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:17 pm

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.