Where to start on pipe welding?

[xwollseifenx]

I've been doing welding in a shop for a few years, mostly working with mild steel. Last month, I helped a friend fix a broken water pipe on his farm. It was tricky but fun, and now I'm thinking about learning pipe welding for real.

I know it's different from shop work, so I woild love some advice. What's a good way to start? Any tips on tools, training, or things to watch out for would be great. Thanks!

 

[Wyo.welder]

Start practicing open root welds like...6010 for root, 7018 for cap is a good combo and if you can, look into a course or find someone experienced to watch your technique so it speed up your learning. Yeah, add this.. get comfortable with out of position work, because pipe almost never sits flat

 

[Jun3berry]

I know it's different from shop work, so I woild love some advice. What's a good way to start? Any tips on tools, training, or things to watch out for would be great. Thanks!

yeah, moving to pipe is a great goal, but be ready for a shift in mindset. Welding pipe is all about positional welding and control. You're going from mostly flat/horizontal to working out of position (2G, 5G, 6G). Start by mastering 7018 stick welding in the 2G (horizontal pipe) and 5G (vertical pipe) positions.

 

[IamMckenzy]

Pipe welding is a really good skill to pick up. Practice open root joints on scrap pipe and if you can, take a class or find a welder who’ll let you shadow; the fit up and technique are way different from flat shop work. Watch your gaps and heat control, they’ll make or break your welds.