Trying to get to grips with welding upside down and inside joints

[Davey]

For the last couple of months I have been building a mid engined Vauxhall Nova, The rear end has new chassis rails and is completely tubbed out.. My welding on the flat isnt fantastic but I get decent enough even penetration. I do how ever seem to have a MASSIVE problem welding upside down, it all just either ends up in the shroud or on the floor! A friend of mine has been helping me out with the 'upside down bits' but I just cant get on with doing it myself are there any tips or tricks? I've been trying all sorts of different angles.

Cheers guys

 

[Kat M]

Oooh.. Can I add that I'd be interested in any hints and tips too?

I've not yet tried to weld on the underside of anything, I think I'm scared of trying... So far I've arranged things so I can weld them from above/inside/anywhere else...

But there are now a couple of bits of welding needed to finish my Viva chassis rail repairs where I'm going to have to weld from underneath.

(In my case they're butt joints in the 1.2mm outer skin of a double-skinned section where the inner skin is already in place.)

I shall be watching this thread with interest

Cheers, Kat

 

[Kat M]

For the last couple of months I have been building a mid engined Vauxhall Nova

Oh, and please post some pics and info in the "Projects" section, that sounds very interesting and like it'll be a whole load of fun when it's done

 

[shenion]

Have not done a lot of upside down welding but I have found:

1. Use a bit higher wire speed than normal. That helps prevent the droplets froming on the end of the wire from dripping.
2. Increase torch length; helps keep spatter out of shroud.

 

[Davey]

Oh, and please post some pics and info in the "Projects" section, that sounds very interesting and like it'll be a whole load of fun when it's done

Will do

 

[Davey]

Have not done a lot of upside down welding but I have found:

1. Use a bit higher wire speed than normal. That helps prevent the droplets froming on the end of the wire from dripping.
2. Increase torch length; helps keep spatter out of shroud.

Thanks,

Any suggestions on what sort of angle should I bet attacking the work at?

 

[shenion]

I use about 30 degrees, that helps keep the shroud clean. It will rduce penetration though a bit. Usually not a problem on thin stuff.

 

[Davey]

I use about 30 degrees, that helps keep the shroud clean. It will rduce penetration though a bit. Usually not a problem on thin stuff.

Cheers mate, I'll have a crack once I've got to get the car up onto the two poster! Just got to fix the rear tie rods and fabricate my turrets

 

[Kat M]

Aye, cheers for the tips

I'll have a go when it's not raining and less windy and I can crawl back under mine on my drive... (Two poster? Under cover? Luxury..! )

 

[runnach]

I should state at the beginning, previous overheads I have done on 5mm up matl, volts reduced, amps too a tad. This would be done using industrial plant.

I realise with hobby type plant, you may not have the fine range to reduce volts without making a significant difference achieving a reasonable quality weld!

I'd drag overhead on thin stuff where possible.

Cheers...........

Ps, referring to using solid wire btw.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

and can I just add to keep an eye on the weld-pool as it'll drop under gravity if it gets too big. After a few minutes you'll know what's 'too big' or 'about right'.

Keep your body away from the 'drop-zone', my nephew burnt his nipple off when a big blob of molten weld fell on his shirt and burnt through.

Also, you may want to wear something over your ears and especially if you're laid on the ground...the blob may miss you but it 'explodes' when it hits the ground and bounces sizzling metal into your ears!

Regards
Peter

 

[shenion]

Keep your body away from the 'drop-zone', my nephew burnt his nipple off when a big blob of molten weld fell on his shirt and burnt through.

Yes, and also remember: most low-end masks are not rated for overhead welding.

I stay off to the side. Also make sure the drop zone is free of anything flammable. Was dong trailer work and had leaved blown underneath. Cleared most out but when welding found it was getting smokey under there. Looked over and leaves 3' away had caught fire.