whats the hardest thing about welding?

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like the topic says, whats the hard parts of welding, in your opinion
Reply:heavy liftng getting stuff in position to weld. Probably not the answer your looking for. As for the  the welding process it's just a matter of muscle memory. Do it again and again untill it comes naturally.Tough as nails and damn near as smart
Reply:learning good prep and fit-up practices. Too many times, people think " It's pretty close, I'll just fill it with filler."  Or, " It's clean. No problem!!" It just makes welding easier when the prep work is done well.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Dealing with all of the misconceptions, bad information, and people who think they know what they're talking about.
Reply:For whatever reason… bad print, wrong measurement, dumb-*** attack, etc., you have to grind out the weld or welds.
Reply:Dealing with all of the misconceptions, bad information, and people who think they know what they're talking about. ^^^x2.There's MIG, TIG, stick, Oxy-Acet, welding, brazing, tigging silicone bronze, cast iron, mild steel, stainless, aluminum, chromoly, there's 6010, 6011, 6012, 6013, 6024, 7014, 7018, 7024 and the 80 series, low hydrogen, rod ovens, ER70S-2 & -6 (and others), RG-45, RG-60, there's flat, vertical, overhead, horizontal, there's pure, thoriated, lanthanated, ceriated, orange, red, blue, white, brown, gold, green, there's the "Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding", there's the guys wanting to buy a 110v mig at Harbor Freight and building a D9 cat this weekend (in their driveway), there's Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, ESAB, cups sizes, tungsten sizes, tungsten angles, truncated or not, plasma cutters, there's porosity and acetone, brake cleaner, stainless steel brushes dedicated for aluminum, there's high frequency and start or continuous, preflow, post flow, the pedal, lift arc or scratch start, AC, DC+, DC-, DCEP, DCEN, DCSP, DCRP, AC cleans on EP, it penetrates on EN, and there's Balance for cleaning or penetration, flux-core, solid wire, dual shielding, CO2, argon, helium, C25, 75/25, CFH, oxy pressure, acetylene pressure (dangerous above 15 lbs), amps, volts, wire speed, IPM, feed roll tension, feed tension, roller sizes, MIG tips, bird nesting, laywire, dipping, autogenous, 4043, 5356, the 2000 and 7000 series non-weldable aluminum, anodizing, black after anodizing, heat sensitive above 150*, carburizing, oxidizing, water cooling, gas lenses, back caps, collets, cup diameters, helmet lens filter shade, auto dark helmet choices, arc length, stick-out, spray transfer, globular, constant current, constant voltage, toes, root, face, penetration, undercut. Those are a few, off the top of my head. And I'm a hobby weldor, in my third class, just scratching the surface. Welding is a science and an art, done by Master Craftsman. And no one, but another weldor, knows it. This toast is to 'real weldors'.   EDIT: spatter, must not forget spatter, the most mispelled word in welding.Last edited by Craig in Denver; 12-03-2008 at 12:05 AM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverDealing with all of the misconceptions, bad information, and people who think they know what they're talking about. ^^^x2.There's MIG, TIG, stick, Oxy-Acet, welding, brazing, tigging silicone bronze, cast iron, mild steel, stainless, aluminum, chromoly, there's 6010, 6011, 6012, 6013, 6024, 7014, 7018, 7024 and the 80 series, low hydrogen, rod ovens, ER70S-2 & -6 (and others), RG-45, RG-60, there's flat, vertical, overhead, horizontal, there's pure, thoriated, lanthanated, ceriated, orange, red, blue, white, brown, gold, green, there's the "Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding", there's the guys wanting to buy a 110v mig at Harbor Freight and building a D9 cat this weekend (in their driveway), there's Lincoln, Miller, Hobart, ESAB, cups sizes, tungsten sizes, tungsten angles, truncated or not, plasma cutters, there's porosity and acetone, brake cleaner, stainless steel brushes dedicated for aluminum, there's high frequency and start or continuous, preflow, post flow, the pedal, lift arc or scratch start, AC, DC+, DC-, DCEP, DCEN, DCSP, DCRP, AC cleans on EP, it penetrates on EN, and there's Balance for cleaning or penetration, flux-core, solid wire, dual shielding, CO2, argon, helium, C25, 75/25, CFH, oxy pressure, acetylene pressure (dangerous above 15 lbs), amps, volts, wire speed, IPM, feed roll tension, feed tension, roller sizes, MIG tips, bird nesting, laywire, dipping, autogenous, 4043, 5356, the 2000 and 7000 series non-weldable aluminum, anodizing, black after anodizing, heat sensitive above 150*, carburizing, oxidizing, water cooling, gas lenses, back caps, collets, cup diameters, helmet lens filter shade, auto dark helmet choices, arc length, stick-out, spray transfer, globular, constant current, constant voltage, toes, root, face, penetration, undercut. Those are a few, off the top of my head. And I'm a hobby weldor, in my third class, just scratching the surface. Welding is a science and an art, done by Master Craftsman. And no one, but another weldor, knows it. This toast is to 'real weldors'.
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in Denver EDIT: spatter, must not forget spatter, the most mispelled word in welding.
Reply:This is no joke and if anyone has some useful advice I’d welcome it.The most difficult thing for me in welding is being able to see ahead of the weld pool to where to weld next.  I’ve tried adjusting lens shades (from 9 – 11), using overhead or background lights, heavy application of soapstone and/or Sharpies.  I still find it difficult to see the joints or lines.Has anyone tried Silver-Streak and Red-Riter welding markers – supposed to be easier to see?  Also has anyone tried EZY-TRACK™ UV Weld Path Marker?
Reply:been doing it since birth.  Still the hardest thing is managing not to burn myself.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:This is no joke and if anyone has some useful advice I’d welcome it.I wasn't joking and I felt it was useful advice. Do you wear reading glasses? I have a 2.50 diopter cheater in my helmet. Welding is like sewing a button on my shirt, up close and personal. When I'm having trouble, the first thing I do is, move my face 'to and from' the puddle; until I get 'focus'. Diopters are age related, I'm 61.Still the hardest thing is managing not to burn myself.It's amazing how long metal stay HOT. ow,ow,ow,ow,ow,ow,ow Last edited by Craig in Denver; 12-03-2008 at 01:45 AM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverEDIT: spatter, must not forget spatter, the most mispelled word in welding.
Reply:Yes, I use reading glasses (150+).  In the shop and while welding I wear safety glasses that have a 200% magnification (200+) just like reading glasses.  Helps some but not enough.  It doesn't seem to be a magnification issue as much as being able to see enough contrast.  In a prior life I was a Marine jet pilot - and except for needing reading glasses my eyes do not seem to have deteriorated that much.Last edited by reefera4m; 12-03-2008 at 01:49 AM.Reason: sp??
Reply:In a prior life I was a Marine jet pilot.Thank you for your service. I can offer nothing else. My vision was 20/200 until I had lasik in 1997. Now the only correction I need is for welding and buttons.  Originally Posted by duaneb55...and then there's deciding which reference coin to use in your post photos too.
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverDuane:DIMES, good God, DIMES. Have you no respect for our founding Fathers?!?!  You did spell 'too' rite.
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Oops!  I'm a bad weldor (and I don't weld to good two).
Reply:Being able to afford the welders I want, not the ones I need but the ones I want.Miller Thunderbolt 225Millermatic 130 XPLincoln HD 100 Forney C-5bt Arc welderPlasma Cutter Gianteach Cut40ACent Machinery Bandsaw Cent Machinery 16Speed Drill PressChicago Electric 130amp tig/90 ArcHobart 190 Mig spoolgun ready
Reply:I guess with all this typing, a duplicate post was inevitable.Last edited by Craig in Denver; 12-03-2008 at 02:16 AM.9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by Craig in DenverEdit: Spelling.
Reply:Duane:LMAO!! Go to bed!! 9-11-2001......We Will Never ForgetRetired desk jockey. Hobby weldor with a little training. Craftsman O/A---Flat, Vert, Ovhd, Horz. Miller Syncrowave 250
Reply:Originally Posted by STwelderBeing able to afford the welders I want, not the ones I need but the ones I want.
Reply:For me, the hardest part is ensuring that myself and the people I am supervising are doing things correctly. Ships, pressure vessels, fire escapes etc....No room for error.It usually gets done without a hitch, but its that responsibility, Its not "hard" but its a weight you carry. I guess.My other answer would have to be the really crappy/crucial grinding that always magically locates itself in a confined space, when you look at something and the only way to get it done is just to crawl in there with a face shield on and grind it out.This usually happens after somebody doesn't follow the rules from the first part of my answer Last edited by Burnit; 12-03-2008 at 05:02 AM.Yup
Reply:Originally Posted by reefera4mThis is no joke and if anyone has some useful advice I’d welcome it.The most difficult thing for me in welding is being able to see ahead of the weld pool to where to weld next.  I’ve tried adjusting lens shades (from 9 – 11), using overhead or background lights, heavy application of soapstone and/or Sharpies.  I still find it difficult to see the joints or lines.Has anyone tried Silver-Streak and Red-Riter welding markers – supposed to be easier to see?  Also has anyone tried EZY-TRACK™ UV Weld Path Marker?
Reply:Sometimes I would have to say its the customer looking over your shoulder. And then them saying they would have welded it another way.But then they always say the customer is always  right!!!???Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Originally Posted by reefera4mThis is no joke and if anyone has some useful advice I’d welcome it.The most difficult thing for me in welding is being able to see ahead of the weld pool to where to weld next.  I’ve tried adjusting lens shades (from 9 – 11), using overhead or background lights, heavy application of soapstone and/or Sharpies.  I still find it difficult to see the joints or lines.Has anyone tried Silver-Streak and Red-Riter welding markers – supposed to be easier to see?  Also has anyone tried EZY-TRACK™ UV Weld Path Marker?Originally Posted by Dualiebeen doing it since birth.  Still the hardest thing is managing not to burn myself.
Reply:I'd say getting burned and accidentally breathing grinder dust.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:dealing with a bad sprain on my right wrist about 3 years ago.   still days it's down right painfull to weld.....    thank god my old man was left handed and taught me to weld with both handsBill BerryKeith Berry & Son Ltd.machine work, and weldingBear River Vollunteer FD
Reply:The hardest thing about welding is the daily GRIND...grind grind grindreally though  ordering the steel.  Making or repairing things without over kill or under build.Ohhh  yeah  dont forget to wear the leather too.   I forgot to don the jacket the other night doing some overhead and my girl friend made it clear she didnt like my burns all over my side from hot balls  to my sexy naval .....    (more like sissy naval).    Point is GET USE TO BURNS and SCARSLast edited by lewray; 12-03-2008 at 08:09 PM. weld it like you own it
Reply:Originally Posted by lewrayThe hardest thing about welding is the daily GRIND...grind grind grindreally though  ordering the steel.  Making or repairing things without over kill or under build.Ohhh  yeah  dont forget to wear the leather too.   I forgot to don the jacket the other night doing some overhead and my girl friend made it clear she didnt like my burns all over my side from hot balls  to my sexy naval .....    (more like sissy naval).    Point is GET USE TO BURNS and SCARS
Reply:So this hard part.  Is it hot or cold in this place??????I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Getting over the shock of striking your first arc or flame and witnessing the creation of a monsterous blob,  instead of a thing of industrial beauty. City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:For me its welding over head for a long time. Even when taking a break between sticks, my arms just get shakey, and cause my stick welds to be less than desirable... I want to improve on that.*insert welding gibberish here*                    Mandy
Reply:As time goes on, I think humpin' the iron becomes the toughest thing.  Seems to get heavier every year"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:drinking enought the night before so you can wake up with the shakes so the rod wont stick in one place.   heheheheLife is tuff,so be sharp  lincoln sp 100  cutmaster101  miller bobcat  miller 250 mig  $thousands in snapon
Reply:Originally Posted by reefera4mYes, I use reading glasses (150+).  In the shop and while welding I wear safety glasses that have a 200% magnification (200+) just like reading glasses.  Helps some but not enough.  It doesn't seem to be a magnification issue as much as being able to see enough contrast.  In a prior life I was a Marine jet pilot - and except for needing reading glasses my eyes do not seem to have deteriorated that much.
Reply:Originally Posted by reefera4mThis is no joke and if anyone has some useful advice I’d welcome it.The most difficult thing for me in welding is being able to see ahead of the weld pool to where to weld next.  I’ve tried adjusting lens shades (from 9 – 11), using overhead or background lights, heavy application of soapstone and/or Sharpies.  I still find it difficult to see the joints or lines.Has anyone tried Silver-Streak and Red-Riter welding markers – supposed to be easier to see?  Also has anyone tried EZY-TRACK™ UV Weld Path Marker?
Reply:Some things I found hard were getting good at vertical when I first started..  Man I hated vertical, but I love it now.  Oh and mig stainless hardwire or flux is a bitch,  since that wire I find is very funny about running straight through the line. Also, burning myself where np guy would ever want to get burned.. And bad too.  Slag and skin with that sir? Lol
Reply:The hardest thing about welding is the acquisition of all the cool tools that I used to get to work with when I worked construction, It is expensive outfitting your own shop!- If you can jump across it you can weld it!  - anonymous old boilermaker
Reply:thanks for all the replies, greatly appreciated
Reply:Originally Posted by SupeTried every trick in the book when I had the same problem, turns out it was my Miller hood.  I went Jackson NexGen and never looked back.  I equate it to trying to walk around wearing shade 5's vs trying to walk around with some amber tinted sunglasses.  Night and day.
Reply:the hardest thing that i have found about welding is the next weld. its always something so be ready for it and try to make the next one better than the last. there's always room for improvement
Reply:To me, the hardest thing about welding is making up the estimate for the job.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Laying in 70 degree C sand, going flat out then when your in the shower that night finding a tick on your nut sack.By far the worst thing would have to be waiting around for a crank between jobs.  Does my head in.I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:I'd have to agree w/Rojo about the prep being the most difficult and maybe most important aspect of a welding project.  You'll probably spend alot more time planning, measuring, laying out, cutting, grindingetc... .. then welding.  Sometimes I get too anxious to start welding on the project and cut corners I shouldn't on prep.
Reply:I skipped over most of the posts, and am just responding to the original question:The hardest thing about welding is EDUCATION.Educating people that they CANNOT "learn how to weld" watching Orange County Choppers, or Monster Garage.Educating people that just because they bought a helmet, and can turn the switch "On" they are NOT welders.Educating people to understand that depending on what they do here, and now, Today, can affect the health and well being of one, or many people for the rest of their lives, and that they should take this SERIOUSLY.Educating people that every weld has to be done like somebody's life depends on it, because over the course of the average career, sooner or later, somebody's life will.Educating people to see welding for what it really is, and to inform them of the dangers of long term exposures to the fumes, and radiation....The Burns etc etc.  The "Real Side" that no-one shows on must see TV.Educating people to have the proper Respect for the trade, and to appreciate where it can take them.Educating people, and engraining into them, the proper attitudes towards safety, Personal Protective Equipment, and Safe use of Power Tools.and finally, after all of that, if there are still any people around,Educate them in the ways of this fine and honourable trade.Opinions vary, this is mine.Have a Good Night.Later,Jason
Reply:Glad you got that off your chest Blackwolf.Personally, the thing I find hard is allowing for distortion/shrinkage/warpage.Scott
Reply:I think the hardest thing about welding is.Getting that dern poptop to pop, with those dern gloves on! #1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:Got teeth haven't you Ken?   That's the easy part I'd rather be hunting........USE ENOUGH HEAT.......Drifting around Aussie welding more pipe up, for something different.....wanting to get home.
Reply:Originally Posted by scott brunsdonGlad you got that off your chest Blackwolf.