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A good way to test welding technique is to
examine a weld’s appearance after it has
cooled and the slag has been removed.
Then, better welding can be learned by adjusting your
weld technique to remedy any problems found.
Cleaning the Weld
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Continue to wear ANSI-approved safety
goggles and protective wear when
cleaning a weld.
Sparks or chips may fly when cleaning.
1. A weld from flux core wire will be covered by slag:
use a Chipping Hammer to knock this off.
Be careful not to damage the
weld or base material.
2. Then, use a Wire Brush to further
clean the weld or use an angle grinder
(sold separately) to shape the weld.
Strike Test
A test weld on a PIECE OF SCRAP can be
tested by using the following procedure.
WEAR ANSI-APPROVED SAFETY GOGGLES
DURING THIS PROCEDURE.
WARNING! This test WILL damage the weld it is
performed on. This test is ONLY an indicator of weld
technique and is not intended to test working welds.
1. After two scraps have been welded together and the
weld has cooled, clamp one scrap in a sturdy vise.
2. Stay clear from underneath while you strike
the opposite scrap with a heavy hammer,
preferably a dead-blow hammer.
3. A GOOD WELD will deform but not break,
as shown on top.
A POOR WELD will be brittle and snap
at the weld, as shown on bottom.
A typical Flux-core Wire (FCAW) Weld
before cleaning.
base metal
weld bead
slag spatter
clamp
SCRAP
workpiece
GOOD WELD
bends and is not brittle
dead-blow hammer
clamp
SCRAP
workpiece
POOR WELD
snaps or cracks
dead-blow hammer

Welding Tips

SAFETY MAINTENANCEBASIC WELDING WELDING TIPSSETUP