uphill or downhill

[jrock]

Going to weld a step notch in my frame is it better to weld uphill or downhill?
Using a mm 175 w/ .030 wire.

[Paul Seaman]

Jrock:
There is 2 schools of thought here, I do both here is why, up hill will put more heat in and thus have more fusion although my uphill gets a bit ropey looking. Down hill will give a fine finish look, but with less penetration.

This is where practice helps so much, you get a feel for your own abilities and what you like, get some scrap the same thickness and try it both ways if you get the penetration downhill it will look better!

I am a believer in practice before the real job. I vary from day to day in my hand speed and weave so I may run hotter today and faster , then tomorrow slower and need to cool down the input.

Weld well,

[dyn88]

pj is right although if this is going to be a load bearing or structural weld it should definately be uphill.

[jrock]

Thanks guys. Gonna get some scrap 3/16 and practice.

[Sberry]

A lot depends on fitup too. If you want penetration downhill leave some gap to get the weld in to.