Lincoln Electric LTW1 Welding Techniques For The Self- Shielded Fcaw Process, Learning To Weld

6 LEARNING TO WELD 6

Vertical-down Welding

Refer to Figure 11 Vertical-down welds are applied at a fast pace. These welds are therefore shallow and narrow and, as such, are excellent for sheet metal. Vertical-down welds may be applied by a table which is found in the Instruction Manual for lighter material.

Use stringer beads and tip the gun in the direction of travel so the arc force helps hold the molten metal in the joint. Move as fast as possible consistent with desired bead shape.

The important thing is to continue lowering the entire arm as the weld is made so the angle of the gun does not change. Move the electrode wire fast enough that the slag does not catch up with the arc. Vertical-down welding gives thin, shallow welds. It should not be used on heavy material where large welds are required. Use the vertical up technique for where large welds are required.

FIGURE 11

5.When using Innershield electrode, the gasless noz- zle may be used instead of a gas nozzle to improve visibility of the arc.

6.Connect work clamp to metal to be welded. Work clamp must make good electrical contact to the work piece. The work piece must also be grounded as stated in the “Arc Welding Safety Precautions” at the beginning of the Instruction Manual which is supplied with each welder.

WELDING TECHNIQUES FOR THE SELF- SHIELDED FCAW PROCESS

Four simple manipulations are of prime importance when welding. With complete mastery of the four, welding will be easy. They are as follows:

1.The Correct Welding Position

Figure 12 illustrates the correct welding position for right handed people. (For left handed people, it is the opposite.)

Hold the gun (of the gun and cable assembly) in your right hand and hold the shield with your left hand. (Left handers simply do the opposite.)

When using the FCAW Process, weld from left to right (if you are right handed). This enables you to clearly see what you are doing. (Left handers do the opposite.) Tilt the gun toward the direction of travel holding the electrode at an angle as shown in Figure 12.

MACHINE SET UP FOR THE

SELF-SHIELDED FCAW PROCESS

1. See PROCESS GUIDELINES in the OPERATION
section for selection of welding wire and voltage,
and for range of metal thicknesses that can be
welded.	FIGURE 12

2.See the Application Guide on the inside of wire feed section door for information on setting the controls.

3.Set the “Voltage” and “Wire Speed” controls to the settings suggested on the Application Guide for the welding wire and base metal thickness being used. The voltage control is marked “V” and the wire feed speed is marked “olo.”

4.Check that the polarity is correct for the welding wire being used. Set the polarity for DC(–) when welding with Innershield NR-211-MP electrode. See Work Cable Installation in the INSTALLATION section for instructions on changing polarity.