Overhead issue

admin

Hey everyone so I'm running overhead stick welds at school right now running 7018 rod 1/8".  My welds are looking really good... I just have a problem when I get to the end of the joint.  Even if I quench the steel right before I run the last couple of inches, I'm burning in a bad undercut.  Im not moving any slower at all, and I only have this problem in the overhead position.  Does anyone have an idea of what I might be doing wrong?  Running at 120A.  Thanks.
Reply:As you get further away, you might be changing the arc length. Make sure you keep a close arc length. If the plate is getting hot, jam the rod in real tight, this will cool the puddle some.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Fillet or butt? Strikes me your travel speed generally could be too slow. You should hardly be weaving, and if your speed is up there you shouldn't be overheating at the end. Keep it tight.
Reply:Sounds like long arcing. It tends to happen at the end if you get hemmed up (not properly positioned to make the entire length of the weld) or when you start running out of electrode and sort of "forget" to push the stinger up closer.I would recommend that you place your body closer to the end of the weld and lean back towards the beginning. This way, once you reach the last inch or so, you should be welding directly above your head.Start uncomfortable and end comfortable. Always.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPAs you get further away, you might be changing the arc length. Make sure you keep a close arc length. If the plate is getting hot, jam the rod in real tight, this will cool the puddle some.
Reply:You are correct. Stop and tie in. If you aren't very good at tie ins, you need to practice. Don't ignore them. Also when you get to the end slow down and sort of hover the rod over the edge for a second to fill in your crater before stopping. Don't just weld over the edge unless you have a backing bar on a groove weld.