My 6g TIG weld look like they were done by an autisitc chimpanzee.

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Hi my name is Mike,So here's the scoop...I have been in welding class for about 5 months now and have successfully completed the following:Oxy/Acetylene (Steel Plate 1/16"): Fillet, Lap, Butt, & Brazing.TIG (Steel & Stainless Steel Plate 1/16"): Fillet, Lap, & Butt.TIG (Steel 1-2" diameter 1/8" wall tubing): Fillet (because they were notched), and Butt.The instructor gave me the option of testing either on tubing or on plate, but he recommended testing on tubing because it covers both plate and tubing and it would be cheaper to take just one test that covers both certifications. So I decided to go with his recommendation and practice for the tubing test.For the last couple days I have been practicing butt welding 1/8" tubing in the 6g (45 degree angle) position. I think "Impossible" would quite frankly be an understatement at describing how hard this is. Am I am not kidding- this crap is HARD!So in my moment of despair, I decided to come here and see if anyone could give me some tips on how I could better my welds because they look absolutely, pathetically retarded and I can't seem to get any better at them. If you'd be so kind, I'd appreciate it if you guys could take a look at the pics and give me some input, because at the moment I am clueless. Sorry about the quality of the pics but we don't have any quality cameras at my residence and this was the best I could do at the moment.If I left any essential information out..please let me know!Thanks,-Mike Attached Images
Reply:what size pipe are you welding?  it looks like 2", if it is have your instructor show you how to walk the cup.  once you learn this you'll find it's not as hard as you think.  I only freehand smaller stuff like 1".
Reply:I am not an expert tig welder....However,  I see something that may possiibly be your problem...It appears as if you can't see your weld.  I do the same thing when I put in to dark of a lens or the lens cover gets smoked up so I can't see.  It looks as if you are chasing the crack, trying to find the joint.  I think you might want to inspect your helmet and see what shade you have.  Also, I think that you might want to make sure you use and auto dark...Your starts look shakey. Being able to see where you are starting without snapping down your hood and jerking your hands off the weld will make things easier.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:Originally Posted by lugweld Being able to see where you are starting without snapping down your hood and jerking your hands off the weld will make things easier.
Reply:i don't want to sound like an *** but that looks horrid. i think my first pipe welds looked better than that. so here is some advice: walk the cup is great advice and will help you keep the bead in one spot. if you are having trouble seeing the joint put a little bit of a gap in their as a tight butt fit will be pretty hard to see even if you are in a good position. your coupons also look pretty short, so not only will they get pretty damn hot but their is no room for you to rest your wire hand. if you can cut them longer do it if not tack several joints together so you have a peace that is > 6" and then try. this way you will have plenty of room to rest your wire hand. you also need to work on your tie ins. start a little ways back on your weld and get that part hot so that it all flows together a little better.you want an 'impossible' weld test try 1/4 OD .065 aluminum wall full pen but not closed offhope this helps and good luckLast edited by quasi; 03-18-2009 at 12:02 AM.Reason: cause i felt like it
Reply:MikeIf you are going to weld 6G, you are going to have to learn to tig in both directions.  I suggest you set up a couple 3-4" o.d. pipes about 8" long in positions where you can get around them....using two or three so they don"t get too hot.  Practice in the 2G position till you get comfortable.  Starting near the middle, scribe yourself a line and run a pass one half  in one direction, then the opposite.  Do the other coupons and then stack another bead on your first pipe.  Continue additional passes moving onto 6G when you're ready.  Practice this for a couple days and you might be ready to move onto the open root. Pic shows what I mean by stacking. Attached Images