OPERATION | ||
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Now weld the two plates together. Weld from left to right (if
20°
end view | 90° | side view |
Watch the molten metal to be sure it distributes itself evenly on both edges and in between the plates.
Penetration
Unless a weld penetrates close to 100%, a butt weld will be weaker than the material welded together.
1/2"
Poor (12mm) 1/4" (6mm)
1/4"
(6mm)
In this example, the total weld is only 1/2 the thickness of the material; thus, the weld is only approximately half as strong as the metal.
Fillet Welds
When welding fillet welds, it is very important to hold the electrode at a 45° angle between the two sides, or the metal will not distribute itself evenly.
To make it easier to get the 45° angle, it is best to put the electrode in the holder at a 45° angle, as shown.
45°
45°
Multiple Pass Welds
Make multiple pass horizontal fillets as shown in the sketch. Put the first bead in the corner with fairly high current. Hold the electrode angle needed to deposit the filler beads as shown putting the final bead against the vertical plate.
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2 | 1 | 3 | |
2 | |||
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| 1 | ||
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Good
Welding in the Vertical Position
In this example, the joint has been flame beveled or ground prior to welding so that 100% penetration could be achieved. The weld, if properly made, is as strong or stronger than the original metal.
60°
4
3
2
1
1/8" (3.2mm)
Successive passes must be used to build up butt welds on heavier metal.
Welding in the vertical position can be done either