Advice on 6g ( 6-3 )

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With the 6-3 I'm referring to 6-3 o'lock on the pipe itself. I'm right handed so 6-12 I have no problems with. I've been using a file in the pipe to help rest my left arm when going from the 6-3 position. Are you even aloud this when doing a test? I've tried welding left handed but I just can't do it. Do you kneel on one knee? Any advice on what other ways to try?
Reply:i know its not likely what you want to hear, but i would force yourself to do it left handed. Early early on during my apprenticeship years ago the pressure welders i learned under forced me to weld left handed as much as possible to become proficient. Now my left hand is almost more steady than my right, especially when putting tig roots in for whatever reason. Being ambidextrious (sp?) will benefit you in the long run in this trade, because i promise you 90% of the time when your in the field in a tight spot you wont be able to rely on always using your dominant hand.
Reply:Yes, learn how to weld with both hands,not just for pipe/tube but for other situations to. I have been teaching myself over the last week to weld left handed for 5/6 g positions. Also using a tig finger will help you steady your hand. I have been using a presicion tig 275 with a foot pedal, and I either sit or kneel and run the pedal with my other knee/leg up to about 6/3 then I stand up and continue,I know its not the ideal way but we don't have a hand amp control to use.Last edited by DemonSpeeder; 03-11-2012 at 01:29 AM.Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:I will try more on the left hand. This is not with Tig yet. I'm still on 3/32 7018 fill and cap.
Reply:When I run my tubes for the root I use two tacks one at noon and one at 5. I then run from 5 to noon and noon to 2. The run lefty from 5 to 2 . Stick I run all righty, except when I have to run lefty in a tight spot.
Reply:Edit.. I ment to say from 6-9 and 6-3 in clock reference...Lincoln pro mig 180Lincoln Square Wave Tig 300/wp 20/home built water cooler Victor, Purox, Harris, O/A welding/cutting setupsVintage Craftsman drill pressVintage Craftsman/Atlas 12"x 36'' lathe7''x 12'' w/c band saw Everlast 140 st
Reply:I have no problem with the 6010 Root.. With the file pinched inside the pipe I can easily lay a nice bead from 6-3 but doubt inspector will let you do this for there test.
Reply:Heres a tip. (twist lock stingers) Put the stinger in your left hand, rod pointingstraight out. Now grab that rod and bend it around the side of the electrode holder so its pointing at you. tweak it so its pointing slightly. Put it backin your right hand now get on the left side of the pipe and weld. The idea behind that is to get your hand in a comfortable position. No matter what im welding, ill make sure my hand is in a comfortable position and bend the rod to suit. Let me know how it works Nothing Ever Got Done By Quitting, Never Give Up.
Reply:Hey Joe, glad to see your name come up. I force myself to use my left hand whenever possible. Especially with the tig work. It seems to help with all of the different processes.