RADLEY 1150-000, Owner'S Manual, Page: 16 / 22

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2.3 TYPES OF WELD BEAD
The following paragraphs discuss the most commonly used
arc welding beads. The stringer bead is formed by travelling
with the electrode in a straight line while keeping it centred
over the weld joint.
The weave bead is used when you want to deposit metal over
a wider space than would be possible with a stringer bead.
It is made by weaving from side to side while moving with
the electrode. It is best to hesitate momentarily at each side
before weaving back the other way to improve penetration.
2.4 WELDING POSITION
The flat position is the easiest of the welding positions and
is most commonly used. It is best if you can weld in the flat
position if at all possible as good results are easier to achieve.
The horizontal position is performed very much the same as
the flat weld except that the angle is different such that the
electrode, and therefore the arc force, is directed more toward
the metal above the weld joint. This more direct angle helps
prevent the weld puddle from running downward while still
allowing slow enough travel speed to achieve
good penetration.
A good starting point for your electrode angle is about 30
degrees DOWN from being perpendicular to the workpiece.
2.5 JUDGE A GOOD WELD BEAD
When the trick of establishing and holding an arc has been
learned, the next step is learning how to run a good bead. The
first attempts in practice will probably fall short of acceptable
weld beads. Too long an arc will be held or the travel speed will vary from slow to fast.
See the following picture:
A. Weld speed is too fast.
B. Weld speed is too slow.
C. Arc is too long.
D. Ideal weld.
A solid weld bead requires that the electrode be moved slowly and steadily along the
weld seam. Moving the electrode rapidly or erratically will prevent proper fusion or
create a lumpy, uneven bead. To prevent ELECTRIC SHOCK, do not perform any welding
while standing, kneeling, or lying directly on the grounded work.
2.6 FINISH THE BEAD
As the coating on the outside of the electrode burns off, it forms an envelope of
protective gasses around the weld. This prevents air from reaching the molten metal
and creates an undesirable chemical reaction. The burning coating, however, forms
slag. The slag formation appears as an accumulation of dirty metal scale on the finished
weld. Slag should be removed by striking the weld with a chipping hammer. The intense
heat produced at the arc sets up strains in the metals joined by welding. Peening the
weld not only removes the scale left behind in the welding but relieves the internal
strains developed by the heating and cooling process. Use a hammer or brush after the
workpiece has cooled.