SMAW Overhead testing question.

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Just curious, any of you guys that have done overhead plate tests...are you actually doing it upside down looking straight up, or is it horizontal and just above your eye level where you have to reach up for it?
Reply:No its actualy OVERHEAD. If the plate is located anywhere other than in the overhead position it is not a valid test. I have taken countless unlimite vertical and overhead plate test with stick, ss stick, and innershield. It is the same test plate beveled to 37.5 degrees(correct me if I am wrong here) that you would use for a flat, horizontal or vertical test with the bevel opening being above your head. A lot of guys I know tend to gap the overhead plate a little on the tight side...notice I said a little. I personaly use the same gap forthe overhead as I use for my vertical...ususaly the thickness of the backer bar or sometimes I use a 1/8 inch 7018 and "eyeball" it with that.A word of advice, I know cats that have failed because the plate deflected because of to much heat...try not to go nuts and bang out the test in just over an hour...take your time and do things right. I would also suggest a strongback or two on there...I put mine OUTSIDE the coupon area so it makes the plate easier to clean up and get ready for bending.Good luck with the test.'Mike
Reply:I disagree. The plate could be 6 inches off the deck and you could be standing on your head welding upside down and, as long as your welding the bottom of the plate, its an overhead position. Its the weld bead relative to gravity, not to you.
Reply:Umn I disagree...at least I think I do haha. It matters not how high off the deck that plate is it matters what position the bevel is in and as you say the bead relative to gravity. I could stand upside down and weld something and have it be Over MY head but the fact remains that it is the the flat position.
Reply:I realize the test plate has to be positioned "over head" What I guess I didn't clarify in my question was, whether the v of the test plate would be positioned where it faced straight down, or would it be outwards towards the side in a horizontal position?
Reply:The bevel would be straight down or at least it should be.'Mike
Reply:Thats what I was wanting to know, thanks
Reply:Originally Posted by ironman715The bevel would be straight down or at least it should be.'Mike
Reply:Make sure you wear earplugs and don't catch your hair on fire..Hair on fire = you will not make it.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I took an O/A class and saw no reason for a hat (under a full helmet).Well, at least until I got to overhead. OW, OW, OW....................... etc.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:Sorry, double post. Last edited by Craig in Denver; 06-19-2008 at 07:24 PM.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:Yeah I guess that was my next question...clothing/helmet preparation. I can weld up hill vertical without much issue, overhead I'm a little bit scared of cause of the falling molten metal. Heard plenty of stories of it going down in the ears from family members, really not looking forward to that.
Reply:I wear ear plugs all the time when im welding, not for noise protection, but from sparks in the ear.I have a buddy whose an ironworker and lost part of his hearing when he got a big one inside his ear.  He was doing an overhead fillet and looking sideways to see the end of the weld, and the rest is history.When i weld overhead, actually do it on one knee, and use the knee thats not on the ground to steady my stinger hand.  Its hell on your knees, but it helps me pass tests.  Standing up and welding overhead  i cant seem to stop shaking, but my right shoulder and part of my back is partially paralyzed (high school wrestling) so maybe its just me.Good luck
Reply:Originally Posted by BillyGoatYeah I guess that was my next question...clothing/helmet preparation. I can weld up hill vertical without much issue, overhead I'm a little bit scared of cause of the falling molten metal. Heard plenty of stories of it going down in the ears from family members, really not looking forward to that.
Reply:Originally Posted by drivethruboy54I wear ear plugs all the time when im welding, not for noise protection, but from sparks in the ear.I have a buddy whose an ironworker and lost part of his hearing when he got a big one inside his ear.  He was doing an overhead fillet and looking sideways to see the end of the weld, and the rest is history.Good luck
Reply:Two more options for ear protection. Turn your cap and pull the bill down over the ear that is up: I've never had a spark in my ear that way.Get a pancake hood. Good ear protection and they are light weight.
Reply:Heard this from another old hand.  Set a penny in the outermost opening of your ear.  The penny keeps out spatter and it won't burn through a penny like it could with a foam ear plug.Personally, I've not had too many problems with my ears, but then I always wear plugs.  Now catching spatter in between my glove fingers, and in the folds of my welding jacket elbows are another story.Running with the right heat overhead will help alot.  The right heat depends on the user.  For me, with 1/8" 7018 rod, I've been running 120-125 amps.  This is hot enough that I have few problems with sticking rods.  But if I don't travel with the right angles and speed, alot of the rod rains down on my head and hands because it burns off so fast.  100-105 amps doesn't burn off so fast, but the rods really want to stick and it seems hard to get a good puddle going.  It's as though 100 amps doesn't force the molten metal up into the joint.  Your mileage may vary...Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
Reply:Good thing you are in Denver Craig. If you tried wearing all that down here the ambulance would be hauling you off within an hour. After a few years those fireballs don't burn as bad as they did when you first started at this, heheh.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:J R:I understand, years ago I took an electronics class in Raleigh, NC sometime in the summer. I could hardly walk 50' from the hotel to the car in street clothes. 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 TEKIt happened to me...1972, under a car, a fat one hit my hood and rolled right into a hole in one, instant 80% hearing loss L/S, permanent.....   A word, to the wise, is sufficient.......
Reply:Yeah the brim on the welding hat is there to protect you. USE IT. Earplugs are always a good idea as well. When I started welding I was told cover up or burn it up.
Reply:Thanks for all the tips and replies guys, its appreciated. Will put all of it to good use.
Reply:Is that a usual process when you weld a plates you will always put backing plate ?"One word is enough for a wise man"
Reply:Originally Posted by phwelderIs that a usual process when you weld a plates you will always put backing plate ?
Reply:Backing of some kind is common. I have used bronze backers, metal, and ceramic. The ceramic takes a bit of getting used to but its worth the initial hassle because there is no need to gouge out the backer like with standard steel backers. It is also common is some instances to have and open root  when you are welding thinner plates together.'Mike