Questions about the City of L.A. Practical Test

admin

I am trying to prepare for the City of L.A. Practical exam but am very confused.  I have so many questions.First of all I have a Home Depot bought Lincoln 225AC welder I bought to practice for the test.  I know how to Mig with my eyes closed but am trying to teach myself the stick process.I am going to take the vertical uphill and overhead unlimited thickness tests.I have been practicing with 1/8 7018AC electrodesHere are my questions:1.  Do I have to do a root pass with a 6010?2.  What size 7018 do I use for the test?3.  Am I allowed to do weave patterns?4.  If I mess up a little can I grind to sound metal?5.  Depending on what diameter electrode and if I can use a weave pattern, how big should I make the bead?6.  Can I tack the test pieces or is it a clamped setup or is it setup for me already when I begin the test?7.  Can I rest my arms against something to hold me steady while I weld?Any other tips or information from anyone who has taken the test would be appreciated!
Reply:Lomitawelder,      The best thing to do is call your local test facility and ask them what they allow or require for the test.  It seems to be somewhat subjective on what the person over seeing the test would require. I'll answer your questionsfrom my experience. 1. No, never2. Usually 1/8 but 5/32 can be required. *3. Depends but you can't go wrong running stringers. *4. Depends but try getting good enough not to use a grinder for repairs. *5. Depends what facility allows. *6. Pieces should be cutout for you, but you tack them together.7. Yes, make yourself as comfortable as possible.* Depends on test facility      If you are going for a L.A. City license buy the code book and start studing.  In reading it will get you prepared for the test and you'll find the exact info your looking for.       JayO
Reply:Thanks JayODoes it matter that I am using a AC welding machine to practice?  I have used a DC machine before and it was alot easier to use.I do have the code book and have already taken the written D1.1 and 1.3 and for the D1.1 I did find the dimensions for the pieces and angles to use but couldn't find anything regarding the questions I have.Does anyone have anything to add that may be helpful?
Reply:Welcome aboard! Where are you going to test? Do you have access to a dc machine? I had difficulty getting cut and dry answers when I was preparing to test, but from my perspetive, I'll give you what I recall about it. Originally Posted by LomitaWelderI am trying to prepare for the City of L.A. Practical exam but am very confused.  I have so many questions.First of all I have a Home Depot bought Lincoln 225AC welder I bought to practice for the test.  I know how to Mig with my eyes closed but am trying to teach myself the stick process.I am going to take the vertical uphill and overhead unlimited thickness tests.I have been practicing with 1/8 7018AC electrodesHere are my questions:1.  Do I have to do a root pass with a 6010?No.2.  What size 7018 do I use for the test?1/8"3.  Am I allowed to do weave patterns?The cover passes can have no weave. I wouldn't weave at all.4.  If I mess up a little can I grind to sound metal? No.5.  Depending on what diameter electrode and if I can use a weave pattern, how big should I make the bead?Stay under 3/8".6.  Can I tack the test pieces or is it a clamped setup or is it setup for me already when I begin the test?Depends on who conducts the test. Some will give you the stamped plates, some will assemble them for you. You will likely have to set the plates up in the booth yourself to your liking. The test facilitator must inspect your set up before you begin. After that, you may not adjust the plate in any way.7.  Can I rest my arms against something to hold me steady while I weld?Yes. Any other tips or information from anyone who has taken the test would be appreciated!
Reply:Thank you very much Tanglediver!  That was all very good information!  I know I sound cocky to say I can mig weld with my eyes clothes but I am very confident in my mig skills.All I can say is "I MUST PASS THIS TEST ON MY FIRST TRY!".I am the only welder in my company an we are supposed to do some work in County hospitals.  I have to do Mig welding for these jobs but in order to get my Mig Cert I have to get my Stick Cert (from what I understand).  Honestly I don't need the Stick personally.  I don't mind getting it but the pressure sucks.Tig I am okay (it looks like **** but it will PROBABLY hold) and Stick I am a little intimidated by in a multiple pass situation because I am afraid of slag getting trapped.  After I pass my test I will post some picks of my welds and projects.I do have access to a DC machine but it is not very convienient (half hour drive).  I was planning on getting good on the AC machine and then go practice on the DC machine for 2 solid days before the test.Do you think this strategy is a mistake?
Reply:Tanglediver,I need to add,  flawless welds!  Literally ! I'm sure you can do them in your sleep (not just with your eyes clothes).Sincerely, though thank you to everyone on this blog site who takes the time to respond to those of us in need of answers.