Welding Techniques and Troubleshooting Tips for Beginners

10 Questions

How does art control affect the shape of the arc in welding?

It opens up more in negative settings and becomes more focused in positive settings.

What is the purpose of a hot start in welding?

To set a higher amperage for a hotter start, then drop back to the set amperage for smoother welding.

What is the significance of ABCs in welding?

To always be comfortable by keeping cool.

What common issues do students face in welding according to the text?

Difficulty striking the arc, dragging the electrode, and making puddles too wide and hot.

What electrode size and amperage are mentioned in the text for welding?

7018 electrode, 3/32nd size, running at 90 amps.

What should a welder do if the electrode gets stuck to the workpiece?

Pull and twist the electrode

Why should a welder avoid touching the electrode with bare hands?

To avoid burns

What is the importance of maintaining a consistent puddle width in welding?

To ensure a proper weld

What should a welder use to clean the workpiece before welding?

Wire brush

Why is it important not to move the body during welding?

To maintain a consistent angle and distance with the workpiece

Study Notes

Natalio Cortes, Director of Training at Tulsa Welding School's Houston campus, discussing 101 welds and moving onto T plates.
Welding is a challenging skill requiring time, practice, and continuous learning.
Machine setup: ground connections, positive and negative settings, shield metal arc welding selected, power off.
Hot start: machine sets a higher amperage for a hotter start, then drops back to the set amperage for smoother welding.
Art control: affects the shape of the arc, opens up more in negatives, becomes more focused in positives.
ABCs in welding: always be comfortable by keeping cool.
Discussed fundamentals, building on what's learned in 101, and carrying knowledge through career.
Using a 7018 electrode, 332nd size, running at 90 amps.
Common issues students face: difficulty striking the arc, dragging the electrode, making puddles too wide and hot.
Provided solutions for better starts in 101 welding.- Welder is demonstrating various welding techniques and troubleshooting tips for beginners
Discusses the issue of electrode getting stuck to the workpiece
advises to pull and twist the electrode if it gets stuck, and quickly release it from the stinger if necessary
Warns against touching the electrode with bare hands to avoid burns
Talks about the importance of travel speed and maintaining a consistent puddle width
Demonstrates proper angle and distance from the workpiece for welding
Discusses the issue of dragging the electrode or waiting too long in the puddle, making the weld wide and uneven
Demonstrates proper body positioning and use of a guide to maintain a straight weld
Discusses the importance of chipping off slag properly and not using a sharp tip or knife edge to do so
Talks about the importance of knowing the correct arc length for proper welding
Discusses the difference between long and short arcs and their effects on the weld
Discusses the importance of keeping the tip of the electrode at the front edge of the puddle and guiding it down as the welder
Demonstrates cleaning the workpiece with a wire brush before welding
Talks about the importance of having a clean, bright, and shiny metal surface for welding
Mentions the use of a guide to help maintain a straight weld
Discusses the importance of proper body positioning and work angle for comfortable welding
Demonstrates the process of tacking a workpiece into place for horizontal welding
Discusses the importance of not moving the body during welding and keeping the electrode at a consistent angle and distance from the workpiece.