7018 verticle up 3g

[2tay530]

I'm practicing for a 3G cert test and i need some help with my vertical up. Im not terrible but i just would like input of what y'all do and your style. anything from rod size and amperage to weave pattern and stance all input is apreciated.

one thing especialy... How to you guys break off the backing plate for testing if you're suposed to have penetrated into the backing plate?

[hockeyguynick]

I typically run 90A with 3/32 rod. I try not to weave much more than 5x the diameter of the rod, keeping a tighter weave for the root to ensure good burn in. When holding the rod on the toes, kinda just go by looking at it. Hold until the undercut almost fills in, then move, when you come back to that side slightly higher, it will fill in the undercut. I try to weave more times per inch so the weld stays nice and smooth, especially important for the first few passes because it will help to keep the toes clean so that you wont have to grind as much.

[aametalmaster]

one thing especialy... How to you guys break off the backing plate for testing if you're suposed to have penetrated into the backing plate?

I just took a 3G 7018 test and after the strips were cut from the plate the backing was ground off but that was all done by the person overseeing the test...Bob

[silveradoman]

i like to do as above and get to the other side before it cools and also ever so slightly lengthen arc. it wets out much better i think. also fire up rod about an inch in front of start point to get away from porosity

[2tay530]

I typically run 90A with 3/32 rod. I try not to weave much more than 5x the diameter of the rod, keeping a tighter weave for the root to ensure good burn in.

So you prefer to weave your caps instead the stringer method? What do you set your gap at when you're using the 3/32?

[silveradoman]

it should say in procedure maximum weave. i dont like to weave a huge amount. but i do a bit. i try to get puddle to shape like my thumbnail.

[hockeyguynick]

Yes, I weave and overlap each bead by maybe a third of the previous bead's width. I've never been real good at running stringers vertical, but can get it smooth as glass weaving so thats what I stick with. Depending on the width of the bevel, I'll try o run my first bead about 2/3's of the groove width, then overlap that weld and weave enough to reach the other side, capping it off in 2 beads (unless of course it's a thick piece with a wide groove) ....As for gap, I have fitters who setup the welds for me at work, so I'm kinda stuck welding whatever they throw at me, sometimes having to use ceramic backing tape, which is great for vertical open root welds with a bad fitup (wide gap) If you are given a backing strap though, I'd set the groove maybe a little less than double the diameter of the rod and you should get good penetration. Welding open root compared to having a backer are 2 different monsters. With the plate, you really dont have to worry about the weld falling out or blowing a big hole, so run slow and hot and burn it in good. Open root takes a bit more concentration, if the gap isnt consistent ya really gotta watch your puddle, and stop if it starts getting too hot