Learning Stick At Career Tech Center

[Spencer]

I started an adult education type class last Winter, but it got cut way short due to Covid when all the schools shut down in February or March (whenever that was).

I'm way too busy now to retake the class, but they automatically re-enrolled me and when I asked to postpone until this coming Winter's class, they said it was now or never for me, as I don't necessarily meet the normal qualifications to take the class.

So, while I may end up having to drop out due to workload, I'm going to give it my best shot to make it as far through the class as I can.

We did a few weeks of arc welding in the previous class that was cut short, but not nearly as much as I would have liked. Seems nobody really wants to learn arc anymore, everyone just wanted to get right to mig. So, while I did get a chance to burn quite a few 1/8" rods of 6010 last Winter, I wouldn't say I ever got real good at it. I definitely burned enough to learn I much prefer welding with 7018 over 6010, but I understand the purpose and need for 6010.

This was one of my filet welds back in late February, but honestly I don't remember if this was stick or mig. I'm assuming you guys could figure it out from the photo.

[Spencer]

Getting back into stick welding last week for the first time in 6-7 months was a lot harder than I was hoping it would be. Last week was humbling to say the least, but at least I did better the second night than I did the first.

Here is a picture of some of the filet welds I did yesterday with 6010.

[Spencer]

Here is a side view of the same welds as shown above.

[Spencer]

In this photo I've added the other two beads for a three-bead filet or whatever its called.

[Spencer]

Tonight we watched a 5 minute video on vertical up three pass something or another.

First pass using the upside-down T method. Here are three photos, one for each rod I had to use. I know, I know, you would never be able to figure out where I started and stopped if I didn't show you all three pictures.

[Spencer]

Second pass using the box something or another. Kind of like the letter 'U', but square.

This one took me four rods to complete. Again, you'd never know where each rod stopped and started without these in-progress photos.

[Tim KS]

I'm not a pro welder, nor am I a welding judge....I can stick two pieces of metal together and usually have them stay that way, BUT the welds are not often a thing of beauty. I'd be happy if they all looked as good as yours.

[Spencer]

Final pass was supposed to be a Z-weave. This pass took five rods, but at least they let me use 7018 on this pass instead of 6010 like the other two.

i obviously need some practice blending my stops and starts.

[milomilo]

They all look pretty fair to me. My only suggestion is to shorten your arc length and up the amps 5 or ten. That will reduce the splatter and increase your penetration a bit.

[mccutter]

Good to see you got back into it! Get your money's worth!

I avoid stick welding because I have other options available so I'm no "pro" at it. Those welds look "cold" and was there any surface prep? Kind of hard to tell from the pics.

Keep plugging away! Practice makes better!