some arc welding pics

[fury9]

So I decided to take some classes through my Union for welding. Here's where I'm at after about 60 hours of class time (some classroom time in there too) First three are Vertical Up, 7018, three passes.Also have a T-Joint to show using 6013

 

[sberry]

Good. This is a spot the rubber really meets the road, a skill almost absolutely impossible to fake and really weeds out the men. A lot of people think they can do this but you will only get better and it doubles your employability, maybe more.
Back in the day went on a job hop spree, the welding stuck out and is super noticeable. All of a sudden ole Tony been the go too man forever isn't quite such the expert.

 

[sberry]

I don't do this enuf to remain really sharp. Really learn how to stack 6010 in a crack too. You could make a career with one rod pretty easy with 7018.

 

[robert_dean]

Pretty good for just starting out. I prefer to run a 6011 root on plate and 6010 root on pipe. 1/8" rod for the 60XX rod then down to 3/32" for the 7018 hot and cap passes. Going into my 20th year as a Journeyman Millwright, burned miles of rod through the years. The only way you'll get better is to burn more rod!! Muscle memory is a huge part of being a good welder, that and very good eyes. Keep up the good work.

 

[sberry]

I actually like 6011 better than 10 for general work but havnt tried every flavor they make in 10 either. Its good to be familiar with 13 as on occasion it is found in garages usually with AC, not very popular here on real jobs though.
It does take some practice to learn this well. It cmes and goes with some people for the first couple years and then its about like a bicycle, you can till ride one and no one notices you are not perfect, you would need to ride regular to be competitive. Same for welding, to the public and even other welders don't give it a second glance but if it got to being real critical inspections there would be problems,,, none of which matter in most practical apps, may not even matter to the job hand but wouldn't pass a fine eye.
Also some practice and work lend itself to confidence and a guy can slow down and really organize some or these joints, fine arc length, overlaps to arrange grain structure for critical test as some or the bends and charpy's can be, you can see it in shots too.

 

[trackwelder]

I like Lincoln 6010 5p+ for root pass work. 7018 is my most used rod and favorite.

 

[doojus]

Looks good, couple of pieces of advice:

1) Each of the pics you have pecked the base metal pretty good with the chipping hammer. Get used to just raking the slag off with the back side of the chipping hammer. You don't want to leave pock marks in the base material in a professional setting.


2) When you strike your arc, get into the habit of striking it in an area that you will weld over. There is a visible arc strike in one of the pics.

 

[fury9]

Yeah, that was a tie in which I need more time with. I'm using the rods they tell us to. Just gotta keep on burning rods. Thanks for the comments so far!