lace vs. weave

admin

I hear many refer weav welds as lace welds and vice versa, but I believe it two be too seperate methods. Can any one explain in their own words or give technical definitions explain the difference in the two methods. Also attatched  or linked photos would be great.In addition what are the advantages and disadvantages of one method over the other and when would one be used more than the other (GTAW)Thanks.
Reply:From a metallurgical and weld integrity standpoint, there is no advantage of either lace or weave.  The best grain structure and weld integrity come from stringer beads.  Weave beads have more heat input, larger grains, and can trap slag which can cause failure of impact tests when certifying or compromise weld integrity in service.Most weld specifications limit weave for this reason.  However, some grace is required for the weldor who is forced to work in the real world because it is realized that weave may be necessary to fill root gaps and for other reasons.  The specs I work with every day limit weave to 3 x electrode diameter or 10mm, which is less than 1/2 inch.  And, we often restrict critical welds to stringer bead only.I think Lace is just a big weave that goes side to side and up and down if I am not mistaken.  Not sure what it means in weldor slang, but I think I have seen it.  It looks awful.
Reply:I prefer a weave weld on most verticle applications, as long as the weave does not get overly wide. Some specs require stringers only. They say the stringers make a stronger weld, but I think they both are the same if they both are done correctly. For me the weave is easier and faster and less likely to trap slag or bridge over. The lace might be the same as the figure 8. I've seen one or two nice lace welds, but have not worked with any one who welds like that. Basically the weave is just short, continuous little horizontal welds steadily moving in an upward direction. Go with the flow and weld like the specs say on the job at hand.
Reply:Originally Posted by obewanNot sure what it means in weldor slang, but I think I have seen it.  It looks awful.
Reply:I call it a "Stitch" weld..And done right it looks awesome.
Reply:Weave or lace seem as though they present more opportunity to trap slag with SMAW (based on the slag coating I see on the weld bead).  I am guessing that they are best used with gas shielded processes (OA, TIG, etc.)Can you pros opine on the quality of weave using SMAW?Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:I think most people would use a weave technique with MMA (SMAW) if they had the choice, being as it's faster and less hastle, but I guess it depends on what you're doing (and the WPS). Probably better not to weave too much (more than 3x the electrode diameter) especially with Lo/hys, as it's a bit of a recipy for porosity, but even then you could always just do a split cap instead of stringers. Admittedly I'm far from the best stick hand in the world, but heres a foto ...2.5mm E6013  70amps 6mm mild steel, vert up. The stop/starts could be neater, wasn't chipping off the slag between welds, just frying it off instead.Last edited by Baila La Pinza; 02-11-2011 at 09:35 AM.
Reply:I agree with ZAPSTER,Does not matter what anyone calls it.You will not see that technique in any welding textbook.A really wide weave is just going to make the HAZ even larger and all that heat is going to degrade the HAZ even more.There is back stepping and figure 8 weaves also. But a really wide weave makes me think the fit up was very poor.The width of a SMAW weld should be twice the diameter of two welding rods side by side approximately.Also remember the profile of the crown of the weld in a strength factor.Last edited by Donald Branscom; 02-11-2011 at 10:18 AM.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Off topicI love CWI and CWE talk....O/A cutting also changes the grain structure, but how does one cut a 2'-0 tall heavy civil structual I beam in the field?Classic 1D 200SAE 30086 SA 200Hyperthem 45Jancy Mag Force O/A Victor-GossCable's remote2-12" Mathey Dearman bevelersLN 25Miller Auto Set 211Wendy's Pancake/Jackson PipelinerNew Holland LS 180Great story man....tell it again!
Reply:So what is the difference between a Texas lace, (pictured) than any other lace? Geography?  Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by HuckxcOff topicI love CWI and CWE talk....O/A cutting also changes the grain structure, but how does one cut a 2'-0 tall heavy civil structual I beam in the field?
Reply:I prefer to run a weave cap where permitted, allows me to make sure im getting all the slag washed out, and a nice smooth profile when its done.Ive always used "texas" weave as a derogatory term to describe stupid large welds. Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Appears to me the lace is a quick weave from side to side, alowing the rod to soak for a second and then quickly moving to the other side ect. Almost makes it look like its kinda cold lapped but I have seen it before. In the older days with 5p the lace was used for the fill and cap but now with 7018 the weave is preferred.
Reply:I have heard and used lace and weave interchangeably.  I have heard and used "Texas Lace" as a figure 8 weave/lace.  I was taught all the various weaves so I could try and match in my repairs.