We are a bit outside the 3-4 hour drive time but still in Tennesee. Just the diagonally opposite corner.  We are also an AWS Accredited Test Facility but do testing in accordance with the AWS certified Welder program https://www.aws.org/library/doclib/QC7-93.pdf and just in accordance with various...

Do you have any pictures of the "cracks"?

Are they side bends or face/root bends?

If they are root bends, do they run the entire length of the face width?

Are there 2 of them parallel to each other?

You can layout a template by hand without a pipefitter handbook. Drawing to scale is needed and its much slower than "downloading" something.

Here is a link that may be of interest. http://www.weldingdata.com/pipetemplatesample.htm

The newer inverter power sources work fine for stick welding. Some may not have the ideal arc for cellulose based electrodes but many are satisfactory now. Nothing beats the control of a generator in my opinion but all make decent welds. I used a miller Maxstar 200 for a few years at my last job, it...

We offer short term and customized training solutions for individuals and business and industry. We have a class that repeats monthly that is 40 hours long and allows the students to weld with GMAW. GTAW, and SMAW on the 1st 3 nights then select a process to concentrate on for the remaining training...

FCAW can support a pretty good amperage range in all positions. Some people may tend to go on the low side however keep in mind that many wires perform nicely when adjusted to spray vs globular type transfer modes. For vertical this isn't so important however when welding overhead understand that if...

Coldman wrote:Does anyone know of a 7018 rod that is endorsed by the manufacturer for the vertical down position?
I've looked but had no success yet.

7048

The video shows an up close view of a bend test on a practice plate in progress. This was done by one of my students last night.

Nothing fancy. I left the root side un polished since it was flush.

https://youtu.be/q6b0Lp-pqbM

Procedures that are written in accordance with ASME Sec IX can have uphill and/or downhill progression. There is some allowance for multiple variables to be used in a single coupon so what is being done may be valid.

The type of power supply for GMAW and FCAW is a constant voltage power source. The type needed for SMAW and GTAW is a constant current power source. The response of the machine to variations in arc length would make welding with stick/tig on a CV power source extremely difficult. But hey, give it a ...

I had to send my viking back. It would go through batteries in a few hours. They replaced it with the newer version that was much clearer.

The best deal in welding books going !

AR plate is seldom used in a "structural" application and in many cases is only there for its hardness/Abrasion resistance. The hardness is achieved by quenching during manufacture . Any subsequent heating process can have a tempering/annealing effect on the base metal so should be done wi...

If you are doing this on something that is critical you should be aware the zinc and many other low melting point alloys can cause cracking in stainless steel.

Do your similar thickness stainless to stainless stick welds look good? If yes, remove more of the zinc coating before welding.

There is no age limit on welding, however, welding is a skill based profession requiring extensive developed manual dexterity. As a man that is past the half century mark and has been welding for 35 years, It would be much more difficult for me to learn to weld now as compared to many years ago. Luc...

Now that I see some other pictures, removing the oxide layer from around your weld area can also help with the bead wetting out. Clean em up some if you are looking to improve the appearance.

There may be a couple of things that are going on. The contour of the bead seems a bit erratic which could indicate you are struggling with consistent travel speed and controlling the puddle. I would concentrate more on the shape/appearance of that weld more than the "color". Get in a posi...

A weave pattern that allows large areas of the underlying metal to be untouched by the arc can result in areas of non-fusion. Keep em tight. Another consideration is the added heat input from the slower travel speeds however this relates regardless of the pattern used and is more of a concern for we...

I have had an import for over 8 years . Though I am very happy with it for home hobby use, I would not want to depend on it for my livelyhood. Understand that I have not had any bad experiences with mine and it's an older model. I would suggest a used machine that can be serviced locally or at least...

There is a 40 class starting in Feb. if anyone is interested. The class introduces students to all 3 processes and then the student may select which process they want to work on for the remainder of the class time. Individuals with existing skills can also attend and build upon existing skills. Cert...

Try a very slight manipulation side to side with a distinct pause in each side. The bead does not have to be very wide for this to affect the sagging through the middle. Another option is to start with a smaller electrode. Also note this, if you are welding an material that is in the thinner side, h...

I offer 40 hour course that introduces students to all 3 processes and then allows them to build skills with the one of their choice. During each process, I explain the advantages, disadvantages, and job opportunities related to each one. Then, if they can take additional training. Returning student...

8n12 is extremely sluggish. The weld will only fuse where the arc is very near the underlying base metal. Excessive weaving and heat input can make things worse. Straight Stringers with very little side to side motion is suggested, Also not that there is a great deal of variation among manufacturers...

There is no requirement for an "inspected" coupon of any kind as far as ASME Sec IX goes. Just welding with the process within that 6 month period. There are various ways companies address this. From simple statements to elaborate "Welder Continuity Logs" Hope this helps. Gerald ...

Bartending is just like QC. You get to listen to whining all the time !