Did my first lesson last week, instructor says beads are OK, looks like I am the only pne there out of 14 that is doing Stick. Almost even split TIG and MIG, so at least I have a bay to myself.
Trying to get the open V but joint practised at home, using pieces 200 x 50 x 6mm grinding a bevel on one edge and keeping a land or around 2.5 mm just under a 3.2 mm rod anyway. Trying different spacing between the edges to try and get full penetration, 1.6mm and yes the slag will come through but difficult to get the metal to always penetrate, 3.2 mm gap and I blow through easily so not getting that bit right. So guess somewhere in the middle gap, 2.0 or 2.5mm to try.
Just about to go to supplies shop as I want to get the same rods as used on the course.
Doing flat runs or fillets is all I have typically done previously with stick and I am not allowed to grind out the back and weld from the back, at least I think that is the case so need to get it right. practice, practice and practice, glad I bought some steel for this.
Adrian
Trying to get the open V but joint practised at home, using pieces 200 x 50 x 6mm grinding a bevel on one edge and keeping a land or around 2.5 mm just under a 3.2 mm rod anyway. Trying different spacing between the edges to try and get full penetration, 1.6mm and yes the slag will come through but difficult to get the metal to always penetrate, 3.2 mm gap and I blow through easily so not getting that bit right. So guess somewhere in the middle gap, 2.0 or 2.5mm to try.
Just about to go to supplies shop as I want to get the same rods as used on the course.
Doing flat runs or fillets is all I have typically done previously with stick and I am not allowed to grind out the back and weld from the back, at least I think that is the case so need to get it right. practice, practice and practice, glad I bought some steel for this.
Adrian