–15 –
nique has to be followed:
1. Use 1/8" (3.2mm) at 90-105 amps or 3/32" (2.4mm) at
60 amps Fleetweld® 180 electrode.
2. When welding, the electrode should be kept horizontal
or pointing slightly upwards. (See drawing.)
3. The arc is struck and metal deposited at the bottom of
the two pieces to be welded together.
4. Before too much molten metal is deposited, the arc is
SLOWLY moved 1/2-3/4" (12.7-19mm) upwards. This
takes the heat away from the molten puddle, which
solidifies. (If the arc is not taken away soon enough, too
much metal will be deposited, and it will “drip.’’)
5. The upward motion of the arc is caused by a very slight
wrist motion. Most definitely, the arm must not move in
and out, as this makes the entire process very complicat-
ed and difficult to learn.
6. If the upward motion of the arc is done correctly with a
wrist motion, the arc will automatically become a long
arc that deposits little or no metal. (See drawing.)
7. During this entire process the ONLY thing to watch is
the molten metal. As soon as it has solidified, the arc is
SLOWLY brought back, and another few drops of metal
are deposited. DO NOT FOLLOW THE UP AND
DOWN MOVEMENT OF THE ARC WITH THE
EYES. KEEP THEM ON THE MOLTEN METAL.
8. When the arc is brought back to the now solidified pud-
dle, IT MUST BE SHORT, otherwise no metal will be
deposited, the puddle will melt again, and it will “drip.”
9. It is important to realize that the entire process consists
of SLOW, DELIBERATE movements. There are no fast
motions.
Vertical-Down Welding
Vertical-down welds are applied at a fast pace. These welds
are therefore shallow and narrow, and as such are excellent
for sheet metal. Do not use the vertical-down technique on
heavy metal. The welds will not be strong enough.
1. Use 1/8 (3.2mm) or 3/32" (2.4mm) Fleetweld 180 electrode.
2. On thin metal, use 60-75 amps. (14 ga 75 amps — 16 ga
60 amps.)
3. Hold the electrode in a 30-45° angle with the tip of the
electrode pointing upwards.
4. Hold a VERY SHORT arc, but do not let the electrode
touch the metal.
5. An up and down whipping motion
will help prevent burn-through on
very thin plate.
6. Watch the molten metal carefully.
The important thing is to continue lowering the entire arm
as the weld is made so the angle of the electrode does not
change. Move the electrode so fast 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.
Overhead Welding
Various techniques are used for overhead welding.
However, in the interest of simplicity for the inexperienced
welder the following technique will probably take care of
most of his needs for overhead welding:
1. Use 1/8" (3.2mm) at 90-105 amps or 3/32" (2.4mm) at
60 amps Fleetweld 180 electrode.
2. Put the electrode in the holder so it sticks straight out.
3. Hold the electrode at an angle approximately 30° off
vertical, both seen from the side and seen from the end.
The most important thing is to hold a VERY SHORT arc.
(A long arc will result in falling molten metal; a short arc
will make the metal stay.)
If necessary — and that is dictated by the looks of the
molten puddle — a slight back and forth motion along
the seam with the electrode will help prevent “dripping.”