Need some O/A Help

admin

Hey yall...Welp, school finally started up down here, and i got into the welding program at a local vocational school. Anyway, were doing o/a welding first off, and im pretty happy with my work.Well, other than this... Were working on lap joints right now, using filler metal. Every time i try to pull this off, i end up melting the top plate apart. Ive tried different sized flames, different angles, etc, but i just cant get it right.Any advice guys?? Thanks
Reply:Its all in heat control, point the torch towards where to need the heat, and away from where you dont. In the case of a lap the majority of the heat in needed on the bottom plate for obvious reasons. Try using a 90 degree torch angle, with a 30 degree lead angle for forehand welding, and adjust as needed. Sometimes you even end up pointing the flame away from the top piece. Remember, heat is directional more then placement, and the more yo lay the torch over, the less heat is imparted into the work. Or think of it this way, I can keep the tip of my index finger 1/6" away from the side of the inner cone......why? Use the directional heating to your advantage.