Arg.

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Vertical up and down gapped joints are testing the very fabric of my being.  Frustrated to say the least.  I guess I dont need any pointers as I know what to do, just getting myself to do it is the trick.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:What process are you using?
Reply:mig.  It was class night tonight, I was doing great up till now.  We were gapping 3/16 plate 1/8 and 3/16 for up and down.  Id get a good one everynow and then, but couldnt stay consistant to save my butt.  I was propping by arms up, trying all sorts of stuff.  I want to blame the welder, but it was me dangit.  Im gonna rig a vertical stand on my home table and keep practicing.  But for now..  I think Ill whine a little.  heh.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:If you can get one good one, then more will follow.  Its a timing thing.  WATCH the puddle.  Just when youthink its going to drop, move. The metal will follow the heat.  Seat time (stick time) is all you need.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Yep, its seeing the puddle that Im having trouble with and keeping  steady.  When I move my head my hands want to follow that kinda thing.  I had a pile of em on the floor last night.  Thanks for the encouragement, got some 3/16 cut up and will give it another shot this evening.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.
Reply:The fitting of the plates has a lot to do with it.  Before tacking together make sure that both edges are straight by putting a straight edge against them.  Also make sure that your land width is identical in all cases.    When tacked together check that the plates are aligned by placing a straight edge across the back.  Once they are properly fitted in an identical manner each time you can start to change other variables such as gun angle until you get results.     If the joint is not consistent you have a tough time determining if the gun angle or voltage change was really the cause of the change in your weld.  Fussing around with the fit is time well spent.  Once you have success then you can play with the quality of fit since the perfect fitup only exists in a school welding booth.
Reply:I posted some mig verticle up in the pictures section.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Ahh david, I can do that sorta weld.  This is a gaped butt joint that I need to get full penetration on and keep from burning through.  Its a bit different.  You take 2 2"x6"x3/16" plates and gap the groove to 3/32".  Tack it together then weld the seam vertical up with even fill and full penetration (no whiskers).  You do everything the same on vertical down but gap the plates 1/8".  Give it a try.Various GrindersVictor Journeyman torch200cf Acet. 250cf oxygenLincoln 175 plus/alpha2 gunLincoln v205t tigLincoln 350mpEsab 650 plasmaWhen you can get up in the morning, Its a good day.Live each day like its your last.