Any tips for taking the DOT Bridge Test?

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In about 5 weeks I'm going to be taking a structural welding test, 7018 1/8th, vertical up on 1 1/2in plate 1/4 of an inch apart with a 45 degree V. All of it has to be uphill, and none of the passes can be bigger than 3/8th of an inch wide.My instructor has told up that the vast majority will fail it the first time, but I'm looking to beat the odds.
Reply:Practice stacking Stringers lots of Stringers
Reply:Why would the gap need to be that big? Would not 1/8" work as well. Inquiring minds and all.
Reply:Originally Posted by mcostelloWhy would the gap need to be that big? Would not 1/8" work as well. Inquiring minds and all.
Reply:If this plate test has a backer bar on it you have to tie in both sides of the bevel and the backer bar in your root pass.  A 1/8" 7018 rod is about a 1/4" with the flux on the end, any smaller than a 1/4" gap and  you cant get the backer bar tied in.I really wonder why they would have you do that test first?  The 3G 3/8 plate test with backer is usually  the standard Structural test. Anyway have fun with it I have been practicing for it for quite  awhile now, but in no hurry.By the way after you get comfortable running beads on a plate start filling up a piece of 1/4" x 2" angle iron almost the same thing as the test accept its a 90 degree instead of a 45 degree
Reply:Originally Posted by JPSIf this plate test has a backer bar on it you have to tie in both sides of the bevel and the backer bar in your root pass.  A 1/8" 7018 rod is about a 1/4" with the flux on the end, any smaller than a 1/4" gap and  you cant get the backer bar tied in.I really wonder why they would have you do that test first?  The 3G 3/8 plate test with backer is usually  the standard Structural test. Anyway have fun with it I have been practicing for it for quite  awhile now, but in no hurry.By the way after you get comfortable running beads on a plate start filling up a piece of 1/4" x 2" angle iron almost the same thing as the test accept its a 90 degree instead of a 45 degree
Reply:Originally Posted by VydunasMy instructor has told up that the vast majority will fail it the first time, but I'm looking to beat the odds.
Reply:Originally Posted by VydunasI'm planning on buying a 50lbs box of 7018, so I can practice until my hands are bloody charred stumps.
Reply:Originally Posted by JPSPractice stacking Stringers lots of Stringers
Reply:Originally Posted by MikeGyverYou don't fill in a vert up V-groove with stringers, you weave it.3/8" max width weaves can't be right. A single stringer is going to wet out to that...?