Welding advice

David G · Aug 28, 2014

I am getting back into welding after 30 years away. My first welds look OK, but I want to improve.

Does the stick angle into the direction you are traveling, or where you have been?

Should the semicircle point the same way?

I am remembering my dad saying to push the weld back into where you have been, but am not sure.

504 · Aug 28, 2014

Not meant to be a neg post, but check out YouTube how to weld.

hoof print · Aug 28, 2014

I'm glad you asked this question, I'd like some pointers too. I have watched many youtube videos on welding...have not learned much from them. Seems most of them want to sell you something, are in a foreign language, or are just too dumb to watch.

JD Seller · Aug 28, 2014

David You angle the rod back towards the molten metal. Your basically "Dragging" the rod along the steel.

As for your motion on the rod. I always center my "circles" on the weld joint. You can also just do a wiggle back and forth as well. It all depends on the rod and the steel your welding which will work better.

old · Aug 28, 2014

Many many things come into play. Depends on what your welding where you are welding etc. I have been welding since I was 16 or so. Also depends on the rod you use etc etc.

BushogPapa · Aug 28, 2014

Other than watching the Amperage, concentrate on the "Puddle" and flow it where you want.

6018 will give you great penetration, where 7014 will make a nice looking weld, etc..

Most tend to use too much amperage, because they have trouble striking an Arc..

Ron.

Hayrack · Aug 29, 2014

I know most diehard welders will disagree with me... but if your a novice welder, try using a 6013. they are very easy to start an arc with, and will lay a great flat with little practice.

Andy C · Aug 29, 2014

here is a pretty good site :

http://welding-tv.com/video-of-the-week/

something for most skill levels. Videos and a forum....
Andy

Russ from MN · Aug 29, 2014

We used 6012 in class, hard to weld with, but once you mastered it anything else was easy.

David G · Aug 29, 2014

Duh,

I was making arcs in the puddle, should have made small circles to keep it molten.

Much appreciated.

mj · Aug 29, 2014

I make a small, shallow 'horseshoe' pattern - open end towards the puddle, rod angled in the direction of travel. This is the same pattern (except for the rod angle) used with 'uphand' vertical welds and fast-freeze rods. 6011 is a really good rod for dirty/rusty metal and repair work. It is a fast-freezing, high-penetration AC rod that is well-suited to 'buzz-box' welders. Not pretty like 6013 but way more versatile

jon f mn · Aug 29, 2014

I agree with you here. For beginners it's better to have a rod that is easy to use. When you get better you can move on to motor appropriate but harder to use rods. 6013 is about the easiest to use for beginners.

Rick Kr · Aug 29, 2014

Russ,
We must have had the same instructor. 6012 for instruction. Its been quite a few years now, but you never forget the basics. Just brush up on them now and then.

Red1 · Aug 29, 2014

I've welded on big oil tanks in places where the rod is angled toward where you were and layed almost flat. Usually using a large...1/4 inch or bigger bottom rod. You angle the rod to get the smoothest running puddle...Getting a lot of splatter? Rod tip fingernailing?..Try exaggerating the slant of the rod. Yes, angling in the direction of travel is what the books show, but you can't always do it that way. the electromagnetic field won't let you.

Welding advice

David G

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504

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hoof print

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JD Seller

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old

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BushogPapa

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Hayrack

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Andy C

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Russ from MN

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David G

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mj

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jon f mn

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Rick Kr

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Red1

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