Upside down welding, tips before I turn into a molten pancake?

[customer#1]

Got a project coming up that's going to require some overhead welding, and I'm not gonna lie, welding upside down feels like inviting gravity to ruin my day. I've done my fair share of flat and vertical beads, but this is new territory. I need to find a way of keeping the puddle under control and not wearing it, stick choice, technique tweaks, or even the best way to position yourself without cooking your collarbone, I'll take all of it. Thanks as you contribute to helping a brother

 

[Lewislewis]

Preach, brother, overhead is a whole different beast and 7018 will work if you have a steady hand, but 6010 or 6011 I may reco if your starting out, then you'd keep the arc tight, angle slightly into the joint, and run hot but not molten lava hot, thats the little I've got for now

 

[DaWitcher]

Try to angle your rod slightly away from the puddle to help control drips. Most importantly, protect your neck and arms, spatter loves finding skin. Practice a bit on scrap first If I were you

 

[PowerPo]

Overhead welding is where you find out who's serious and who's just playing fabricator. If you're not ready to rethink everything including posture and rod angle, you're gonna wear that puddle. Forget comfort; overhead is all about pain management and precision.

 

[SparkyCool]

For deep welds, use 6010 rods first, then switch to smaller 7018 rods (1/8 or 5/32) to fill it in. Keep your arc short and weave quickly to stop sagging. Angle the rod back a bit as you weld. Wear a good jacket and cap because sparks will fly! Practice overhead welding on scrap metal first, it's all about keeping that weld pool in control.