Deleted as it's been pointed out that even the "Correct" weld is not a good weld.
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Deleted as it's been pointed out that even the "Correct" weld is not a good weld.
Thank you Mr. Spears.
As I have said in the past (to much deprecation), there is a reason why a weld looks correct (or incorrect as shown above). There is more to it than just striking an arc and burning metal, especially when structural. Please, if you are unsure of your welding skills, go to school, it is easy and cheap insurance for your safety.
I really don't see the difference in the high volts. Can anyone point it out please?
Look at the heat pattern around the weld, the sounding metal has been over heated and can make the edges brittle.
Post deleted.
Of the five welds pictured, I think I have mastered four.....the one on the left still eludes me.
It's subtle, but I see it now, thx.
I mostly adjust my wire speed by sound. When you get that steady "sizzling bacon" noise, you're there. Hissing = too slow, popping = too fast.
With all due respect, All these pictures are good for only one thing and that is basic set up of heat and speed. As far as welding the ones displayed are not good quality welds for real world application. Those displayed can be helpful, but they are only seal welds. bend them into the face and they will all break. Less then 100% penetration in prepped condition is already cracked from the inside. i know I sound critical but after welding and teaching welding with over 40 ASME certs in nuclear, petroleum, power generation it kinda bothers me some of the automotive/welding instruction is so poor. I see all the time people showing tig welds by dipping on metal defined as a row of nickels as being perfect, when in reality they are junk welds. SS and aluminum are far the easiest to weld, SS exhaust should always be purged tig welded where 100% pentration is accomplished and the inside looks exactly like the outside. It is easy. I have to much respect for hot rodders to not say something. I hope I don't offend anyone, that is not my intent. But I see a lot of cars build that aren't even safe to drive down the road.
if you weld every day your welds look great . if you weld 4 times a year not so great . no different than shooting paint or sewing leather. first you practice then you practice then you practice some more.
Which re-affirms my statement above to the importance of schooling..Quote:
Originally Posted by desert dog
I know after rereading my post that I kinda sounded like I was criticizing the pictures and being smart. I wrote it only to help. I've been retired for 5 years and spend a lot of time in the shop helping fellow welders brush up for test. I have a set of SS headers and running 3" out to Tee's reducing to 2 1/2" dumps with tri-clamps and 2 1/2 out the mufflers. I want to make a video showing how to fit, purge, and weld out. I will put it on disc. if anyone is interested when I get it done I'll send them out for free as long as I can afford it. You won't be able to see any starts or stops when done. Only offering to help, a lot of good people has helped me over the years.
I certainly know what your saying but have you ever seen the factory welds on a car frame?? I mean really...I have seen the factory welds on a '67 Corvette, 72 SS Chevelle, 65 Nova and 65 mustang a 12 year old girl could weld better, just check out that front crossmember on a muscle car, it might amaze you, you will think those rods welds look like pro's. I even went as far as arguing on the Nova that someone had replaced the crossmember that couldn't weld as the wire was still attached in about 3 places and cut off the gun, I was surprised when the builder was correct they are just that bad from GM.Quote:
Originally Posted by desert dog
I myself would love a video on tubing, never can learn to much!
I too would love to see your methods! Thank you!
Desert dog: I want to be front in the list, before you run out of pocket change for this whim, or before you sober up - whichever applies.
The welding class I had last semester only taught so much.