Another weld critique plz.

[Shield Arc]

Who did the testing?

He was an NRC welding inspector. We were building Nuclear waste tanks at the time.

 

[Jaylegger]

Aluminum sheds heat so well you may be better using a long run, but if you're having trouble staying on course that's a problem too. Personally speaking, if you have a 12 inch weld to make, you may be better doing it in three 4 inch sections with a skipped area between the welds. Most jobs don't require 100% weld for strength, but it does look better.Sean

I was having trouble staying on course and keeping the gun at the proper distance as well, no problem with a few inches but I obviously wasn't braced well enough to handle the longer run. I found the pause and step method much more tolerant of minor arm/body position tweaks. My starts are not only poor quality but ugly to boot so minimizing them to just one seemed the logical thing to do and where this lift is a finished consumer product a decent looking weld has its advantages as well.

I've never tried welding aluminum vertical, it'd take me some practice to decide which way was better for me. Usually down works better than up as far as puddle movement goes, but don't quote me on that.

From the limited research I've done so far its looking like welding up generally will provide a stronger weld than going down. Using a triangle pattern seems to be popular so I tried it out today, the triangle quickly turns into small elliptical movements but overall the weld look great with no obvious sagging of the weld.

You're pushing the gun, I assume? Better penetration and gas coverage when pushing, especially with aluminum.

Always push it but get lazy with the tip angle at times and pay for it.

 

[crazyal]

He was an NRC welding inspector. We were building Nuclear waste tanks at the time.

That brings back a few memories. When it comes to nuke plants and subs you're not going to get away with anything less than a trained inspector.

 

[Chilly807]

My starts are not only poor quality but ugly to boot so minimizing them to just one seemed the logical thing to do and where this lift is a finished consumer product a decent looking weld has its advantages as well.

Preheating the aluminum may help with the cold starts. One of the welders at work does a lot of tig welding. When I've watched him weld aluminum, he turns from Mr. Chatty to Mr. "I've got to get this done while the heat's in it."

Sean