Zen and the Art of the Weld Puddle

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http://airbum.com/articles/ArticleZenWelding.htmlI thought this was a good read. And since there is a lot of mention of puddle control, but almost nothing beyond that here (even with searching) I thought it'd make a good post. I know the article focused around OA welding, but I would imagine in general it would apply to all methods. I'd be interested in how this might vary for stick, mig & tig and various electrodes. Would also be interesting to hear if you guys find fault in the article or have something to add. It also makes me think I should consider adding some sort of magnification glass inside my lens, I'm less than an amateur so no pride to get in my way yet.Hope I didn't fully open a can of worms here or cross some sort of taboo.Montgomery Ward Powr Kraft AC-DC 230/140
Reply:I skimmed the article, and didn't find anything I'd disagree with after a quick read.  I haven't done any oxy-fuel welding since my training at Hobart.  But that's the welding class they start all students on because it forces the welder to learn to read the puddle.  Certainly Oxy-fuel and TIG welding share a lot in common and learning Oxy is the best primer I can imagine for learning to TIG weld.Learning to watch that leading edge of the puddle is critical for short arc MIG welding, stick welding, and to a lesser extent fluxcore and spray arc welding processes.The comments about swallowing your pride(my words, not the author's) and using a set of readers or a cheater lense in your helmet are right not the money.  Earlier this year I finally broke down and started using a cheater and my welding is better and easier(less eye strain).Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Yep a weld puddle is a weld puddle, be it from electric torch of organic torch. The principals stay the same. Establish the puddle and move the puddle. Simple yet it takes a lifetime.
Reply:I feel that every welder should have to pass a very strict O/A welding test to be able to move on to additional processes. That is welding at its purest. My Dad forced me to weld anything 1/8" and down using O/A for what it felt like forever.....but man did it teach me how to weld.A young green pipe welder asked an old salt one day...How can I make the weld on the bottom of the pipe look like the top.......The old salt replied....Screw up the top......
Reply:Thanks Tiny. It was a joy to read the article by Budd Davisson. Davisson is a well-known aviation writer for Flying Magazine and others. Since I learned O/A welding during aviation mechanic's school, this article brings things back home in a good way. The welding portion of the test for the A&P license required me to weld a tube cluster, and then it was cut down the middle to test the weld penetration. There is definitely a zen experience when one gets absorbed in the process of welding...almost like going into another world, and staying there for a time. Living in the present, with nothing else on the mind. Thanks again for the link.
Reply:Zen...yup, think I'm growing in to a budist monk  ... can they do this???? Attached Images--------------------------------------------------------------www.becmotors.nlyup, I quit welding.. joined welder anonymous