Insights on vertical arc welding

[barth.sims]

I've been working on vertical arc welding using 7018 rods, and I'm getting better, but gravity still gets in the way. I'm curious about tips for controlling the puddle and getting smoother beads. Do you prefer whipping, weaving, or stringers? also, I'm wondering, are there any machine settings or prep tips to reduce restarts?

 

[TeenSpirit]

vertical welding is quite tricky, we need to maintain a tight arc and keep the rod angle at a slight pushup angle. try to use a weaving motion to prevent heat buildup. don't worry, you'll getting it if you do it often. practice makes perfect, right

 

[the real mvp]

I've been working on vertical arc welding using 7018 rods, and I'm getting better, but gravity still gets in the way. I'm curious about tips for controlling the puddle and getting smoother beads. Do you prefer whipping, weaving, or stringers? also, I'm wondering, are there any machine settings or prep tips to reduce restarts?

7018 vertical? nah ditch the whipping, this isn't 6010, you're gonna need to run tight, controlled stringers or tight weave and please control the puddle, another part people miss, keep that rod angle just below 90°, drag it uphill, not flat and yeah, last one, clean your joint like your life depends on it, no rust, no oil

 

[Olums111]

You're making great progress! Do you find the puddle controls better with a slower or faster travel speed?

 

[SparkTrail]

Yeah, I'm with you! Getting that rod angle and puddle just right is super important. Also, gotta keep an eye on how fast you're moving so the metal doesn't get too hot, and keep things clean and dry. Vertical 7018 can be tricky, but if you pay attention to those little things, you'll nail it.

 

[SparkyCool]

Alright, so when you're welding vertical up with 7018, drop your amps by about 10-15 compared to what you'd use on a flat surface, and give it a little upward whip as you go. Make sure to keep that arc nice and tight.

For the root pass, use stringers, and for the fill, a light weave will do the trick. Grind those craters down so they're smooth, and when you restart, start about 1/8 back from the crater with a hot start.