consistency

admin

I take my time and focus really hard on my technique, so why is it that some days I can weld really good, and other days I can't weld to save my life? Is it normal for welders to have off days, all the time? Does anyone have advice on being more consistent? It will be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Reply:Everyone has off days where things don't go as smooth as they would like.   You just have to develop your own position and pace that suits you the best.Vantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Some days I am shaky or have less energy or think less clearly than others.   Sleep, nutrition, stress, hot weather, workload, partying, etc all affect performance.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:It's a normal thing.  Don't let it bother you, unless it bothers yaI haven't struck an arc in near on a month.  It will be learn all over again the next time I have to glue some metal together again.  I don't like it, but it is what it is.The guys that burn lbs. of rods or lbs. of wire a day are very consistent because it becomes second nature.  Sad to say, it ain't like ridin' a bike, or screwin', it's precise stuff that goes stale if you don't keep up with it"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:I'm just starting out in welding, but I make my living as an artist and a musician, and I think there are quite a few parallels about which I can comment. Tenacity is a good thing. Every time you "get away from it for a while", you'll need to re-train yourself to a degree in both deliberate technique and muscle memory.Also with the art and music comparison, "practice smart"; don't just go through the motions, but truly think about what you're doing. Even consider taking notes.Last edited by snotjello; 10-22-2009 at 10:23 PM.
Reply:You have to be comfortable,  if your in an uncomfortable position chances are your weld is going to look like chewing gum.  I do mostly TIG welding and I found to stay consistant I count when I have to dab the wire.  If you walk the cup / MIG / Stick, then you NEED to be comfortable.  Hope this helps you out alittle. . .
Reply:Control, sight, understanding.If you have no control, you'll shake. You can't manipulate electrodes or torches or puddles and your weld will be bad.If you can't see, well, you know.If you don't understand how a good weld is made, you can't replicate it or improve on your own processes.I strongly recommend taking notes if you need to. It definitely helps through tough spots.At the same time, welding is a sort of... unconscious skill, too.Don't take any days off. But just keep moving forward. You're going to have bad days, that's everyone. As long as you don't let them stop you, you're doing fine.Keeping it down in the hood...literally!