![](/images/new-backgrounds/1151247/15124795x1.webp)
13-8. Conditions That Affect Weld Bead Shape
.Weld bead shape is affected by electrode angle, arc length, travel speed, and thickness of base metal.
| Correct Angle | Angle Too Large |
Angle Too Small | 10° - 30° | |
| Drag |
|
| ELECTRODE ANGLE |
|
|
| Spatter |
Too Short | Normal | Too Long |
| ARC LENGTH |
|
Slow | Normal | Fast |
| TRAVEL SPEED | |
|
|
13-9. Electrode Movement During Welding
.Normally, a single stringer bead is satisfactory for most narrow groove weld joints; however, for wide groove weld joints or bridging across gaps, a weave bead or multiple stringer beads work better.
1Stringer Bead − Steady Movement Along Seam
1 | 2 | 2 | Weave Bead − Side to Side |
| Movement Along Seam | ||
|
|
| |
|
| 3 | Weave Patterns |
Use weave patterns to cover a wide area in one pass of the electrode. Do not let weave width exceed
3