SS 2" sch. 80 6G pipe welding test.

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I know there are a few pipe welders on here, cant remember who I talked too about this before. We were talking about the UA 2" pipe welding tests that are carbon steel welded with the 309 wire. Now I have a test coming up (not UA) that I was told is 2" schedule 80 in the 6G position. Of coarse I want to practice but I am having a hell of a time finding 2" schedule 80 pipe. A length is about $400, I was hoping to get some 12" nipples but damn I cant find them. Buying the SS test coupons is way expensive too. I was hoping to bevel some on the lathe. Also, what do you guys think of just practicing on the carbon steel sch 80 pipe using a 309 wire? Is that good practice for the SS joint test? If they are indeed gonna test me on SS pipe and not carbon steel. I know one of you said "it is like a two in one test SS and steel."Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:I would practice with 309 on carbon. That way you could go through the motion of purge and such. Stainless welds pretty much the same as carbon does. As for pipe try to find some vessel shops/piping shops and tell them your situation and offer to pay for 2" drops. I bet they would help you out, its worth a shot. If you were close to me I'd give you a few feet of 2" sch 80. Maybe another member like DSW who lives in Philly has some leads on pipe.
Reply:309 tig is different on open butt,it does not run like 308L.I turn my heat down and with a tight 1/8 gap I go slow and cook it in,pay attention to the swirl in your puddle,especially the minute dot inside the swirl,it must keep moving in circles,if you go too fast it will stop,go slow with 309,I am a cup walker,I only freehand when I'm in a bind.308L tig wire,you can go faster but remember tight 1/8 gap and a good purge.On 2" coupons I go with 3 tacks, top,bottom and 9 oclock,no tack at 3oclock because I'm right handed,and because SS draws worse than carbon especially the thicker sch.I go with a 1/8 gap and watch your purge.Hope this helps.  William
Reply:Thanks guys, good idea about asking for drops. I think I am going down to this place for another meeting next week. I made it clear to them that in all honesty I have to practice before test. Which I hope isn't putting them off.  Maybe I could ask them for drops? Im thinking 10 on the flow meter for back purge? Should I put a back purge to the tacks? I do have a couple of other questions but I am being distracted and I cant remember them right now.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:10 on the backpurge should be enough. And yes go ahead and back purge your tacks. Nobody wants sugar
Reply:Just from what I have read in this thread I am so far from a welder its not funny   Good luck and lets us know how it goes.
Reply:I figured out some more questions. I suppose it all depends but do they usually make you scratch start for these tests? My machine has HFAC start. Also do they let you use a pedal or is it all preset? Im hoping I can use both, if not Ill have to practice the scratch start. I remember thet you, Slim, were telling me about starting the arc on the welding rod to avoid tungsten inclusion. May have to practice that.I have a y valve for the regulator but I think without getting anything else I would have to run the torch and the back purge at the same pressure. Ah crap maybe I should just go get another bottle of argon.Last edited by Capozzoli; 02-16-2012 at 05:06 PM.Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:TIG root, hot, fill and cap I am guessing. I would set my machine, scratch start walk it in and be done with it.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Yep, I figure Ill walk the cup. Hopefully it isnt one of those places were someone is gonna come along and tell me "no walking the cup". That will suck. Though I practice some hot finger just the same. Which is what I do with TIG when it isnt pipe. Im anxious to get some practice going. Found some pipe for $25 for 9" lengths. A lot yes but far better then buying a 2' length for 400 that I will never use. Im a little worried but I will feel better after I do one. My wrist hasn't been on the pipe with TIG in about 10 years. I will post some pics for sure. even if it is horrible. I wouldn't dare go take the test without practicing. Though I feel they want me to take the test as soon as possible. Do you guys think it is out of the ordinary to ask for practice time, say a week or two weeks before taking a welding test?Welding everything, from the crack of dawn to a broken heart.
Reply:It is a little out of the ordinary to ask for some time to practice but not necessarily unheard of. But being upfront and honest like I'm sure you have been it won't be a problem. Your basically saying hey I can do the work and pass the test but I don't want it to be rushed and end up busting.
Reply:I tI recently screwed a test because I was so nervous.  The pay and benefits were great. I was shaking like a leaf. I went to my next test, which was second choice and passed because I felt the pressure was off. Now I got a job I hate. Lessons learned: don't be your own worse enemy. Practice, but not 14 hours a day. Practice with people watching you. Relax, I built up the importance of the test too much, and blew it before I got there. Cost me about 15k/year in lost compensation.