Steve is correct as the AWS does not have a pre-qualified structural welding test for GMAW-S. They do have tests that allow GMAW-S in their sheet metal code with a thickness limit of 3/16". That means you have to go through the qualification procedure to use GMAW-S as on a "code level"...

If you are not sure where welding may take you then I have one suggestion. While doing all this practice weld some using the opposite hand from usual. It appears that you are right handed so that would mean welding left-handed. There may be a time when this will come into play and it could help with...

Thanks Steve, I knew there were no pre-qualified AWS procedures using GMAW-S. I thought maybe some other association might have one or that someone here on the board had worked with one that had gone through qualification. Our GMAW class is 128 hours and I was wanting something to challenge my welde...

I was wondering if anyone had a copy of a WPS that called for short circuit GMAW as the process used or used in combination with other processes for welder qualification. I would like to use it in my classes next semester.

I have used both and most of the versions before the 252 and 256. My shop where I worked before was all blue with a 212, a 250 and a 252 bought a few years apart. Never any real issues except that the settings on the door of the 250 were not even in the ball park. Now in the shop where I work we hav...

Are you going the test only route or are you taking a prep class?

From what I can tell, Miller has different packages with the 200DX. Some of the packages have a flowmeter and some have a regulator. The problem with a regulator is that it can show pressure whether or not you have gas flowing. If the ball is floating in a flowmeter then you have gas flowing and it ...

How are you verifying your gas flow? I don't know if Miller still sends pressure gauges with there gas welders but they need to be switched to a flow-meter asap. It really sounds like a gas flow problem.

If this school is an AWS accredited testing facility then you should be able to pay the fee and take the test. If they are not set up that way it may be a liability issue. For instance I was going to let a former student who graduated from my school come back a few days to brush up before taking a t...

I can't speak to the policies at any school other than my own, but the probable reason that your root bend failed is neither of the things that the instructor said. The most likely reason is that you didn't hold the edges long enough. You should pause on both edges of your motion. The second most li...

I have just started incorporating 7018 roots in my plate and pipe classes and it is different from 6010 for sure. I have tried to bury the rod and it works for a short run and then the flux on the rod seems to hang up on the wall of the groove and throws my rate of travel off. So I have had more suc...

I would definitely learn to do both. You may run into a bad fit-up or something may cause a problem and too much keyhole will open and then you will have to whip 2 or 3 times to get everything under control then go back to burying the rod. Burying the rod for the root is easier on the welder if you ...

Yes, I have seen so much around me that I wonder where all the misinformation comes from, not to mention the lack of skill. The way I teach pipe is a process that starts with open root on plate and then padding some beads around pipe in 2G, 5G and 6G and then putting the two together by putting in a...

Thanks Steve.....lol. Chevy, have you done open roots on plate prior to working on pipe? That is the time when my students learn how much land and gap they need, how many amps to run and how hard to bury the rod. That way, when you go to pipe all you have to do different is change the angle of the r...

I didn't say it was limited, I said that if you intend to go beyond 1/4" then joint design and preparation need to be carefully thought out, especially on a stressed member.

To qualify a weld process several samples are taken for tensile strength and bend test and other tests according to how the finished weldment is going to be used. The process is not biased against any welding process, it is just to assure a sound weldment. The procedure qualification record (PQR) le...

Don't worry about the heavier "structural" wire. The manufacturer's of filler metal are talking about buildings and bridges when they mention structural. What you are doing is called light fabrication and the inner shield wire will work just fine. You could also use solid wire and 75/25 ga...

Nils Negative terminal? He should be on AC for aluminum. Lots of people store in nice containers and it's good practice - mine are in the open though. I just wipe them off (usually I remember). :D[/quote] Yes, AC is (I'd hope) the mode for aluminum welding. However, balance is based on the torch be...

If it works in the slots in the stinger, use them. If you need to bend it, then bend it.

No need to ball the tungsten even if you are using an transformer or solid state machine. Use green tungsten ground blunt and light up. The EP part of the cycle will ball it just fine and that way the ball will not be any larger than it needs to be. On an inverter, sharpen and blunt the very end and...

I hear ya. I taught agriculture mechanics for 32 years so I know how things show up in a school shop. I also know how it is to have a go to student for some of the tougher jobs. Keep us updated as you get more info and someone here will be able to help for sure. And congrats on being that go to stud...

Is this for your welding teacher or another teacher at your school? After over 35 years of working in public schools and community colleges, you would not believe some of the stuff people want welded. From cabinet hardware to earrings and also engine blocks. Check with your welding teacher to see if...

Zirconated works in a transformer/solid state machine on AC where you would normally use pure. It is just supposed to have a more stable arc than pure and is supposed to hold up better. I really can't tell much difference but then again my eyes are old. We only have one solid state machine left at s...

You could also add the new cables to the heavy cables at the end so you would have a light weight "whip" at the end.

A good work ethic not withstanding, I try to approach teaching as outfitting my students with tools needed for success. Every process that they become proficient in, or every little tidbit of knowledge I can share is like adding tools to their tool belt. They are probably never going to be superman ...