Hello,I am applying for a job and they said I need to take a 2g and 3g fluxcore test. From what I am reading this is just a horizontal and vertical test. I can't see this being too hard. I don't know any more info on the test. The guy I was talking to was apprehensive about letting me even take the test because all my experience is with stick and tig. He was telling me about all the people who have taken it and failed. Am I missing something? Is this harder than I am imagining? I did a search and I have read that I should not do a weaving pattern, just long stringers up. Also, I read that a backing plate is necessary. Any other tips?I have done SMAW in vert up and overhead using 7018 rods on 1" plate.
Reply:trailerrails,You're correct, the 2G is a horizontal joint and the 3G is a vertical joint; probably uphill travel.Here's my recommendations:Find out what the filler metal is, manufacturer and diameter, and check the recommended settings on the manufacturer's website.You might also find out if there's a specific procedure you're supposed to follow. How much pre-heat and interpass temps. Any specific bead sequencing? Etc. What shielding gas is used? OR is this self-shielded fluxcore?Fluxcore can be run with an open root, so you should be prepared for this possibility. Normally the root is back gouged or ground out, when no backing strip is used.If this is gas shielded fluxcore, you shouldn't have too many problems. Self shielded fluxcore is, in my opinion, al little more difficult. The big difference you'll have to adjust to in either case is that travel speeds are faster with either fluxcore product than they are with Stick welding. If you travel too slowly on the 2G test, you run the risk of trapping slag under the bottom toe line.The 2G test is run with stringers. A little shake to your hand can help flatten out the bead sometimes, but otherwise it's a straight 10-20 degree drag angle. Work angle will depend on which bead you're laying down. Pointing into the bevel to get good penetration is needed, but generally speaking fluxcore is much hotter than stick, so it's not as critical as it is when stick welding.The 3G test can be done with either stringers or a weave. Most everything I do vertical up is done with weave beads. Make sure you know what the test requires. Make sure you know what the proper voltage and WFS are for the filler metal you're using. The type and diameter of filler metal will influence whether or not you run stringers or a weave pattern. Vertical up is less sensitive to trapping slag in the toe lines. Travel is usually pointed straight into the bevel with little or no drag angle. There are exceptions to this general rule, so again I emphasize that you find out what the filler metal is beforehand. People fail fluxcore tests because of incorrect machine settings, and incorrect travel speed. If you're too far outside the voltage/WFS(amperage) window you can get all sorts of problems. If the steel is high strength material, and not just vanilla A36 structural steel, then pre-heat and interpass temperature can be critical.If this is an important, do or die situation for you, then you should do your homework....If you get more details and need help finding answers, check back in and I'll be happy to assist.Good luckBenson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Wow, that was great! Thank you. I will ask a few more questions, the guy I was talking to on the phone did not know much.
Reply:Update: I talked with the guy and got no information, he did not know a thing. He works for a recruiting company. I asked him if he could find out more details about the test and his answer was "well it would not be a test then, would it?"
Reply:Well, I wish I could say I was surprised at the response from the recruiter, but I can't. I haven't met one yet that knew sh!t from shine-ola. Not their fault I guess, most aren't skilled tradesmen, just people who can dial a phone and read cue cards...Do you know the type of work the job requires? Is it structural, shipyard, or heavy equipment fabrication/repair? These are the likeliest candidates, I guess. Do you know the name of the hiring company?If you can narrow it down, I can recommend a few products from various manufacturerers that you can look at before the test. I depending on what the job is, I might be able to make some semi-educated guesses at the welding procedures, but no guarantees... Originally Posted by trailerrailsUpdate: I talked with the guy and got no information, he did not know a thing. He works for a recruiting company. I asked him if he could find out more details about the test and his answer was "well it would not be a test then, would it?"
Reply:The only information I was able to get out of him is the area of town it is in. From that information I found a place that makes vessels and tanks. I don't know if is them or not. He was talking about them wanting to hire on 50 welders. I would think that is a pretty big operation. Maybe I need to take a drive around there and see if I could figure out what it is. He was being very secretive. He kept telling me how he sent 80 people down there and over 50 of them failed. He was also saying how some of the people were fresh out of school and failed. I don't know how any of this had to do with me, but I do remember some of the clowns that went through welding school with me.
Reply:Vessels and storage tanks. Hmmm, unfortunately that doesn't narrow down the selection of filler metals very much as there are lots that could be suitable for the work. I'd be willing to bet that it's gas shielded FCAW, but beyond that there's not a lot more I'd hazard a guess about. It all depends on the materials, wall thickness, and joint configuration selected...Wish I could narrow down the field a bit more for you....Proper equipment settings will all depend on the filler metal diameter and the joint orientation. All this stuff should be spelled out in a welding procedure, which for code quality work they should have and review with you up front.If you're serious about this particular job, taking a drive down there might be worthwhile. But don't count on talking to anybody without going through the recruiter you're dealing with. If you went to a local welding school, try contacting them. If a bunch of students have tested at this place, maybe the schools instructor's or job placement office would have some more info.Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
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