Models WG3080, WG3090 and WG4130

Welding Guidelines (Continued)

ELECTRODE EXTENSION

Electrode extension (or electrode stick- out) is the distance between the end of the contact tip and and the end of the welding wire. The recommended electrode extension is from 1/4 to 1/2 in (6 to 13 mm). If the electrode extension is too long, welding current will be reduced and the bead will be high and narrow with less penetration.

SLAG REMOVAL (FLUX-CORED WIRE ONLY)

Wear ANSI approved safety glasses (ANSI Standard Z87.1) and protective clothing when removing slag. Hot, flying debris can cause personal injury to anyone in the area.

After completing the weld, wait for the welded sections to cool. A protective coating called slag now covers the weld bead which prevents contaminants in the air from reacting with the molten metal. Once the weld cools to the point that it is no longer glowing red, the slag can be removed. Removal is done with a chipping hammer. Lightly tap the slag with the hammer and break it loose from the weld bead. The final clean-up is done with a wire brush. When making multiple weld passes, remove the slag before each pass.

WELDING POSITIONS

Four basic welding positions can be used; flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Welding in the flat position is easier than any of the others because welding speed can be increased, the molten metal has less tendency to run, better penetration can be achieved, and the work is less fatiguing. Welding is performed with the wire at a 45º travel angle and 45º work angle.

Other positions require different techniques such as a weaving pass, circular pass, and jogging. A higher skill level is required to complete these welds.

Overhead welding is the least desirable position as it is the most difficult and dangerous. Heat setting and wire selection will vary depending upon the position.

Base

Metal

Normal Heat,

Travel

Wire Speed,

Speed

Travel Speed

Too Fast

Heat Too Low

Travel Speed

Heat Too High

Too Slow

Wire Speed Too Slow

 

Wire Speed

Figure 9 - Weld Appearance

Too Fast

 

All work should be performed in the flat position if possible. For specific applications, consult an arc welding technical manual.

WELD PASSES

Sometimes more than one pass is necessary to fill the joint. The root pass is first, followed by filler passes and the cover pass. If the pieces are thick, it may be necessary to bevel the edges that are joined at a 60º angle. Remember to remove the slag before each pass for the FCAW process.

Cover

Filler

Root

Figure 11 - Multiple Weld Passes

Figure 10 - Weld Passes

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