Long Welds

[kiwi]

Hey Guys,
This is probably a basic question, but here goes. I have a tendency when making longish welds (over 6") to want to stop and reposition myself and then continue on with the weld.
1. Is this incorrect?
2. If this is correct is it as strong as a continuous weld?
3. In addition when you stop and start is there a technique to make the weld appear continuous?
Thanks,
Nick
MM210 75/25 Ar/CO2 0.35 Wire

[Clavacle]

I got over this problem by keeping my upper body rigid and taking small side steps with my feet. Allow for a little bit of play with your arms so you don't move the gun around when side stepping. Or you can start by leaning over where you are going to start so you are giving your self a foot or so of weld befor you get to be upright.

[Fat-Fab.com]

Hey Guys,
This is probably a basic question, but here goes. I have a tendency when making longish welds (over 6") to want to stop and reposition myself and then continue on with the weld.
1. Is this incorrect?
2. If this is correct is it as strong as a continuous weld?
3. In addition when you stop and start is there a technique to make the weld appear continuous?
Thanks,
Nick
MM210 75/25 Ar/CO2 0.35 Wire

Relax no problems with having a restart every 6"-8". Just think of it this way how long would a SMAW stick get you about 6-8"'s

A bit of grinding on the leading edge of your weld (the point where you are going to restart) making a small notch to restart in is all that is needed.

[kiwi]

Thanks for the info!
Glad to see you on the board TJ!!!!
Nick

[metal-doctor]

I use Andy's method of 6 - 8" beads,reposition & when I restart I go about 1/8" ahead of where I stopped I once started back quickly into where you stopped beore & then continue on. Seems to work O.K. for us.

[Fat-Fab.com]

Thanks for the info!
Glad to see you on the board TJ!!!!
Nick

Thanks Nick

I will pi$$ someone off soon and will have to leave again, but such is the life of someone so gifted as me lol


Your question was a good one in that I have seen other allude to the idea that a single long or single pass weld is always better than a multi pass or interrupted weld.

Welding done correctly will not know it was multi pass or interrupted.

[tacmig]

Don't forget your duty cycle on those long welds.

TacMig

[tsalagi]

i do alot of long welds and the first thing i can say is if you brace with a wrist, forearm, elbow, whatever, don't put your weigt on it. just use it to steady the other hand. as for making restarts look good stop on your starts.