anti spatter

[Welderpaul]

when do you use this stuff? Never tried it, but as I only go up to maybe 3mm (very rare) and mainly weld 18 guage, would it be overkill?

If it would markedly improve things I will get some and try it. If, on the other hand, it would not make a marked improvement for me then I would rather spend the money on a Biryani one lunch time.

iain

It's used to prevent spatter sticking to the workpiece, or jigs, benches etc. Saves having to scrape/knock/grind it off when you have finished welding.
Good torch positioning and good technique prevents a lot of spatter, but it's use does make for a nicer job. Spatter sticks to the workpiece more if there is a patch of steel that has been ground close to the weld, and to box sections, but generally on black steel - flat bar, etc, tends not to stick so much due to the millscale. Internal corners are worst, they catch a lot of the snots that otherwise skid across the surface and don't stick.
We rarely use it as i find it can cause porosity in the weld, and don't tend to get that much spatter anyway. Good to spray on the bench if you are repeatedly welding in the same places. Making balustrade panels for example

 

[Iain Westland]

Cheers Paul, curry for diner then

iain

 

[Robotstar5]

Anti spatter spray increases the life of consumables with a coating that reduces spatter sticking to them, you can also spray it onto workpiece to stop spatter sticking to it for cosmetic / finish reasons.

 

[Iain Westland]

still having a curry I get very little splatter, not enough to worry about that this stuff would make a big diff.

might get some next time i get some wire just to check

iain