Welding Tips and Tricks

Went out to the shop and practiced a bit today. I found myself in some bad habits now that I have learned from looking at really nice welds. Big hat's off to Jody and all here who have helped prod me in the right direction. I know there are a few buggers in these but I am just trying to get seat time that is productive. I feel like I am getting a bit better from the looks of my welds. You guys think these are strong, safe welds? I know I didn't taper off in a few places....just trying to get in a groove that works for me. Almost ashamed at the work I have posted before...and not happy with these either...all .035" molly.

I think you are improving very well. For joints like that it will just take seat time. As for are they strong and safe...well I would say they are. How was your penetration? Have you seen the hammer test that Jody has done? If you are worried about them being strong and safe, beat the daylights out of a sample and find out! I think you are doing great. If I get a chance I will try and get some joints welded as well. I haven't welded small joints like that in a while, should be fun.
-Jonathan

If you get good fit up with minimal gaps that helps make a good strong joint. I slip pipes through the joint with one pipe in the vice and bend the other pipe if the tube fails but the join remains intact you have a successful joint. With 3 or more tube make sure the centrelines meet at the same point.
They look alright to me