7018 reply
Reading replies on this site for some time. thought I would jump in. My first reply on here, so go easy on me guys.
On your last reply, you said you were welding on 3/8 plate, with a butt joint. If that is overhead, it would be a groove weld in 4G. If it were a T joint, it would be a fillet weld in 4F. You have had some good replies. Normally a groove weld, wouldn't be made with a open root, with a 7018. It would be frequently be made with a 6010/6011 type rod for root, followed be 7018, for remaining passes. If all 7018 is called for, normally a backer, is used. If a T joint is used, backing isn't a issue, and it is a fillet.
Normally most tests, are based on a WPS, that has to be followed, from amperage, base metal, voltage, filler metal, joint geometry, welding position, to direction of travel, etc. We have to stay within the operating limits of the WPS, and stay away from the thought, they we "have a better way", and go outside of the WPS. Well enough of that.
Try to keep your joint fit up, close. Work on joint prep accuracy with good bevels and land. Before you start your weld, you want uniformity and accuracy of your gap spacing and bevel. Anything that is not the same, has to be dealt with through operator skill. The skill will come with practice, but control what you can, right now.
You have a instructor. Hopefully they are in the booth with you sometimes. Someone over your shoulder, to help guide you, is valuable. Ask for that, and don't let corrective suggestions, hurt your pride. Acceptance of ideas and suggestions, creates a better welder, regardless of experience level. Good Luck.
Reading replies on this site for some time. thought I would jump in. My first reply on here, so go easy on me guys.
On your last reply, you said you were welding on 3/8 plate, with a butt joint. If that is overhead, it would be a groove weld in 4G. If it were a T joint, it would be a fillet weld in 4F. You have had some good replies. Normally a groove weld, wouldn't be made with a open root, with a 7018. It would be frequently be made with a 6010/6011 type rod for root, followed be 7018, for remaining passes. If all 7018 is called for, normally a backer, is used. If a T joint is used, backing isn't a issue, and it is a fillet.
Normally most tests, are based on a WPS, that has to be followed, from amperage, base metal, voltage, filler metal, joint geometry, welding position, to direction of travel, etc. We have to stay within the operating limits of the WPS, and stay away from the thought, they we "have a better way", and go outside of the WPS. Well enough of that.
Try to keep your joint fit up, close. Work on joint prep accuracy with good bevels and land. Before you start your weld, you want uniformity and accuracy of your gap spacing and bevel. Anything that is not the same, has to be dealt with through operator skill. The skill will come with practice, but control what you can, right now.
You have a instructor. Hopefully they are in the booth with you sometimes. Someone over your shoulder, to help guide you, is valuable. Ask for that, and don't let corrective suggestions, hurt your pride. Acceptance of ideas and suggestions, creates a better welder, regardless of experience level. Good Luck.
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