7018 Overhead problems

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Hey guys... Well, at school right now, we've been doing some overhead welding. Im using hobart 7018 1/8 inch, DC+, about 130-140 amps on 1/4 inch plate, attempting to run laps and tees. My problem is that once i get a nice arc and a good puddle established, the tip of the rod falls off the end of the rod in thick globs. They are about the size and color of airsoft pellets, at least thats what they remind me of. I feel them bounce off my gloves (if im lucky, those things are hot) and then shatter on the floor. The metal in the rod doesn't go into the puddle, but instead falls on the ground, and because theres no metal being added into the weld, it promptly blows through. The only thing that im thinking is that the arc is too long, but its shorter then what i use for flat position and im kinda clueless here. What do yall think?? Ill bring home a blown through piece or two in a couple days (school depends on weather) and take some pictures. Thanks guys [Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Maybe turn it down a little but it seems that your not feeding enough rod into the weld (long arcing).
Reply:Welding machines can vary a little in output. I'd try 120 amps. If that's too cold, try 125.
Reply:Overheads are stringer beads.  You should hold the rod so close that the flux bumps each side of the Vee of the joint.  I do a small wiggle bumping the flux side to side and moving along.  If you have too large a puddle of course the material will drop in gobs.  My feeling is that you are moving too slow and allowing too large a puddle.  The more heat ( amps ) you run the faster you need to move.
Reply:dont forget to keep the rod straight down under the puddle, with a slight pulling angleG
Reply:Hey everyone...Well, i followed the advice i got from yall, and turned out some nice looking welds today at school. I guess i was using too long of an arc, because when i shortened that up, everything improved for me. Anyway, here are some pictures. Thanks guys :-)[Account Abandoned 8/8/16 Please Do Not Attempt Contact Or Expect A Reply]. See you on YouTube! -ChuckE2009
Reply:Lanse, looks like you've got a handle on the technique.Nice looking welds... Keep it up!Miller XMT-3502 Lincoln Power Mig 140C (One w/ dedicated spoolgun)Jackson NexGen / Miller Digital EliteMiller S32P SuperWeldcraft 17fv & 9fv Tig TorchVictor & Purox O/ALincoln Ranger 9Fairly Cold Beer!!
Reply:you got the control now.  the next thing is to stack them neatly but that will come in a few hours more....  Watch out on the first one shown ... You are almost concave and that will be rejected. * slaps on back " good going!"
Reply:Looks good, as was mentioned machine amps can vary. Don't be afraid to change settings. Hold a short arc on overhead.Leo
Reply:Remember OVERHEAD s kind of a misnomer.Actually you want to be in FRONT of the welding - moving the rod towards you.That is why when you get a vision test(for welding) it is the one where you pull two strings and line up two pins inside a box. It is a depth perception test.So you are not under it - you need to be in front of it. Like you are looking at a upside downgroove. Looking down the groove.Like this....He is looking from slightly below but in front. NOT UNDERNEATH!!Last edited by Donald Branscom; 02-11-2011 at 05:26 PM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Many people set themselves at about 45 degrees to the joint.  If you look straight down the joint you have trouble seeing distance.  At 45 you can see if you are on either side of the joint as well as see how far you are along the joint, the amount of fill going in, and how fast you are moving.  Keep repositioning yourself until you find your sweet spot.
Reply:Originally Posted by lotechmanyou got the control now.  the next thing is to stack them neatly but that will come in a few hours more....  Watch out on the first one shown ... You are almost concave and that will be rejected. * slaps on back " good going!"
Reply:OK Try not to laugh too hard...I'm no artist... Attached ImagesLincoln Ranger 8Lincoln 140c MigLincoln Tombstone(doesn't everybody have one ?)Miller 200Diesel/Heavy Equipment MechanicLead Plant Mechanic Municipal Water
Reply:Originally Posted by acesneights1what causes that. I do that alot too. Also should you be doing a u or an upside down U and should you be working towards yourself or away ? Hmm...How can I explain that in better terms..
Reply:Not necessarily stringers. I step on my over head with good results.  Originally Posted by lotechmanOverheads are stringer beads.  .
Reply:Originally Posted by acesneights1what causes that. I do that alot too. Also should you be doing a u or an upside down U and should you be working towards yourself or away ? Hmm...How can I explain that in better terms..
Reply:Originally Posted by acesneights1what causes that. I do that alot too. Also should you be doing a u or an upside down U and should you be working towards yourself or away ? Hmm...How can I explain that in better terms..
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomRemember OVERHEAD s kind of a misnomer.Actually you want to be in FRONT of the welding - moving the rod towards you.That is why when you get a vision test(for welding) it is the one where you pull two strings and line up two pins inside a box. It is a depth perception test.So you are not under it - you need to be in front of it. Like you are looking at a upside downgroove. Looking down the groove.Like this....He is looking from slightly below but in front. NOT UNDERNEATH!!
Reply:You stick weld overhead working towards yourself because the rod is being consumed.  If you start close and weld away then you might just run out of reach before you run out of rod.  Think about it....My name's not Jim....
Reply:I understand the concept Boost, but you should keep the same view of your weld pool while burning the rod down. When you weld towards you, you dont have a good perspective of the pool. When you treat overhead like a flat surface, you get consistent results. You can still weld in any direction you choose, but you still have to be able to see everything thats going on. And no matter which direction Im welding, when I run out of rod, I get another. You should know your reach before you strike up.UA Local 598
Reply:I agree with both of you, if are working in a shop or a booth its easy to get in a good postion to weld comfortably, but in real world conditions you dont always have the luxury of being able to see and move like you want.. And eveyone welds different, and you know that if you ever buddy welded with different people.. I think you are doing pretty well, nice job.. I never learned to weld in a booth so Im not much help.. I hate taking tests, I cant never get comfortable. Im so use to being jammed in a small hole not able to barely move and asked to weld that, and make it pass tech.. Everyone can tell you what your doing wrong and how to try to fix it, but you just have to find what works for you..ThanksHarmon
Reply:OH is the same as flat just upside down. Jam the rod in there and have at it.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Does it matter which way the curve is ? In other words u shaped or upside down u shaped ? Note the arrows in my Picasso's....Lincoln Ranger 8Lincoln 140c MigLincoln Tombstone(doesn't everybody have one ?)Miller 200Diesel/Heavy Equipment MechanicLead Plant Mechanic Municipal Water
Reply:Originally Posted by acesneights1Does it matter which way the curve is ? In other words u shaped or upside down u shaped ? Note the arrows in my Picasso's....
Reply:you have to learn it both ways.  sometimes you don't have a choice.No I meant which way should you move the stinger as your going along, not the finished weld. I was taught to do like a j kinda thing but was never really sure if that was right.Lincoln Ranger 8Lincoln 140c MigLincoln Tombstone(doesn't everybody have one ?)Miller 200Diesel/Heavy Equipment MechanicLead Plant Mechanic Municipal Water
Reply:I usually just do a weave from side to side and pause on the sides. Like I mentioned in an earlier post if you get the result you want then do what works. Each welder will have their own advise to give, and we're all right.Leo
Reply:I was mainly referring to the OP's situation in a booth.  In the real world, I weld which ever direction I can move comfortably and see when possible.  Let's face it, you can't always see the places you can stick a rod.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmI was mainly referring to the OP's situation in a booth.  In the real world, I weld which ever direction I can move comfortably and see when possible.  Let's face it, you can't always see the places you can stick a rod.
Reply:Originally Posted by NVWI wrecked a perfectly good rear view mirror welding in one of those spots.