[Thorium]

I am having trouble getting the root face uniform. Using 3/32nd root opening 1/16 2% thoriated with 1/16 filler. Pipes beveled at 30°. Purged with argon. I was curious about just fusing the root, buildup inside needs to be minimal. 6 G position. Smaller root openings close up to quickly. Any pointers would be helpful. This application is for an up and coming job. Using orbital for most joints, but company requiring some manual certs. Any info would be appreciated my experience is mainly carbon heavy wall.

[coldman]

Welcome thor. I think your gear is too small for this joint. I would go to 3/32 electrode and wire. Get around it quick and fill the joint with the first pass followed by a cap. Staino experts will give their 2cents shortly.

[Superiorwelding]

Thorium,
Welcome to the Forum!
I agree with the 3/32" filler. The 1/16" will work, but you will have to really work at it. Just a thought, you could try the lay-wire technique and see how that works for you. Did the customer spec minimal root reinforcement? How are you feeding the filler? Are you feeding through the pipe or on the outside? Can you post a picture of your root as it stands? I guess I have asked more questions than answered.
-Jonathan

[Mike]

Welcome to the forum Thorium.

[Thorium]

I was laying the wire with 3/32and it seemed to overfill the joint n not want to push thru is there a better joint config. I should try using the 3/32 . With the 1/16 I was keyholing

[Thorium]

There is also talk of consumable inserts to.

[Superiorwelding]

I was laying the wire with 3/32and it seemed to overfill the joint n not want to push thru is there a better joint config. I should try using the 3/32 . With the 1/16 I was keyholing

Explain that better. Were you lay-wireing with the 1/16" filler and 3/32" gap or the other way around?
The keyhole is not a bad thing as long as it does not get away from you. Here is a video form Jody on carbon pipe, will see what else I can find.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGoybWZ ... detailpage
-Jonathan

[coldman]

If you are using laywire method correctly and 3/32 gap with knife edge and 3/32 wire and electrode and you're not pushing through, all you need to do is up your amps a little until it does push through. Keep a tight arc and your torch angle about 10 degrees.