Straight lines etc.

[irlforum]

Hi there,
I have problems following straight lines - should I be marking my metal with something or how do the pros manage this?

Also I have been practicing laying down welds beside or alongside another welded line and sometimes it's really difficult to see the other weld and I go completely off! Any tips - maybe my autodarkening is set too dark?

Another thing that I'm trying to improve on is keeping consistent width on my welds with the aim to get my welds look much better aesthetically - is this just practice or is there any advice that can be given on this?

Thanks.

 

[Hitch]

If you have an adjustable shade headshield, lighten it slightly.
Another trick is to draw a line of french chalk to follow., failing that, is the work area pretty light? Sometime increasing background light will help.

For consistancy, try counting in your head, and moving a set amount per number, say 5mm per number.

 

[irlforum]

If you have an adjustable shade headshield, lighten it slightly.
Another trick is to draw a line of french chalk to follow., failing that, is the work area pretty light? Sometime increasing background light will help.

For consistancy, try counting in your head, and moving a set amount per number, say 5mm per number.

I lightened my headshield a bit - how do you know when it's too light though - is there some kind of indicator you should be looking out for?

The counting in your head thing is a great help aswell. I might pick up some of that chalk if things don't improve with the lightened headsheild regarding keeping the beads straight. It seems to make a difference what angle you have your head at aswell doesn't it?

 

[Sparkey]

Usually for mig your headshield is on 10 or 11....it is too light if you are feeling uncomfortable with it (if you see dots after you struck an arc)

Make sure you have a lot of light on your workpiece too, that helps a lot!
And try to make yourself as comfy as you can while you're welding!

 

[Fazed]

I have my mask set to 9 for low amp mig, and rarely above 10 for higher stuff. I count for stitch welds, helps you get an equal gap between them and a consistent bead length. French chalk works too.

 

[astro_al]

Better light on the workpiece.

Reduce the shade until you feel its too bright, then back off.

Make sure that all the various layers of screens and whatnot of your mask are dust and dirt free - wipe with solvent on a cloth. It makes a hell of a difference - as does a new outer visor occasionally.

Mark the weld line as described.

Al.