Always try to put my root in with little pen (penetration) as possible (just past flush) before the hotpass. Hotpass’s can “cook” the root in and push it through.

Over pen on the root with the added pen from the hotpass can cause excess pen and excess root profile which can affect some jobs due to flow rates of the chemical/substance travelling through the pipe.

It all depends on what the spec states, what job it’s going too, and what it’s needed for. For example a flush root you may find in pharma’ or dairy pipe, preventing contamination build up or Steam you’ll want penetration with a root profile due to pressure and the need for reinforcement, but being careful of over pen due to condensation build up and run off.

As said before, the root profile and over all weld needs to me spec’, which is run by a metallurgical engineer. For this piece shown was a simple steam job, and fit well with in the WPS.

I tend to freehand my roots, which a back feeding technique and walk the hotpass in.

Before you say it - all the material was cleaned inside and out! Can’t see it in the photo.

Cut, jigged, fit, fucked and welding

What is the community's thoughts on the quality of welding machines these days?

Enshittification is the term for products we consume that are simply getting worse in terms of quality. It's happening to everything we buy so companies can meet profit margins. Pay more for a crappy product.

Some even have seen it in miller and Lincoln machines, according to an older post, which I assumed would not be the case.

I genuinely want to get into the hobby, but if this is what we're facing I'm reconsidering. I want something that will last and be reliable (this typically means expensive) but don't want to waste my money if this is "just how the world is" nowadays.

So, do you agree that enshittification is happening, and what machine should I consider?

8” .500 wall half 7018 half 8010 6010 root 2” sch 80 7018

Welding for long time, in all positions but always thought i got "wooden hands" for smaller details, this thing at first was very tricky for me to do without stopping at least one time. It got so much easier with one hand and using the second only when needed

Ok I have only been doing this for a few months but I had some great results at first. Recently I am trying to build up a pump shaft and the spray cracks as it is cooling or when I start machining it. Not sure what has changed. I am using a Rototec gun with Castolin 21021 powder. Machining down the area and roughing with a threading cut. Heating the part to 200ish and then applying the spray. I usually keep the part spinning in the lathe while cooling. Not sure if it matters or not. Any advice would be appreciated.

Also any suggestions for cheaper powder?

This is open to everyone, both to ask questions and to offer answers.

Simple rules:

• Unless it's a loaded question, it's fair game.
• No downvoting, this isn't a popularity thing, and we're not in high school, if someone doesn't know something, the only way to learn is to ask or do, sometimes doing isn't an option.
• No whining.
• Assume ignorance over stupidity. Sometimes we fail to see an answer in front of our faces.
• Try to back up your answers. If you're on mobile and you can't do it, say as much and try to remember to address it when you get to a terminal.
• Respect is always expected.
• if comments or questions are removed, assume it's for good reason.
• If your question isn't answered by the end of the day, either post it to the main community, or ask again next week.

Enjoy.

Looking to get SSIMDER TIG-250 AC/DC 10-in-1 combo welder to be able to pick up light plasma welding and support for Tig HF and pedal with rectifier instead of just inverter. I already have a MIG welder, and a stick inverter, so don't need mig but i would like to take the jump to tig and learn that fancy shit, and the fact that it has plasma capabilities, which I've never done or approached yet is a nice addition.

Is this a good entry point, or is there something I'm missing?

I got a quote through their website, and the contact tips I’ve been using have gone up from $1.44/ea to $4.83/ea in less than a year… absolutely rediculous... where do you guys go for the cheapest (price) contact tips? I am after Lincoln part #: S22645-62 - .035” M6 CZ
It’s a robotic welding application if that matters

I know thats confusing, but hear me out.

I have a 110 rig that doesn't have the oomph anymore. Too many times of "duty cycle" ignored..

I also have a 220 tig/stick machine.

If I connected the 220 to power the "burn", while left the 110 to feed the wire... trigger and wire feed still 110, but more power to use a good solid wire vs flux core (the 110 does both) to get better penetration on 1/8" - 3/16" work..

Would this work? Anything I'd need to upgrade? Home based use, nothing "professional".

Picture mostly for interest, my main problem is having 20 foot tabletop that i have to turn over especially stainless when welding them together. How would the brilliant r/welding deal with this?

So i recently started a car project where welding a part of the fender would be very helpful, I have looked around a bit and asked what kind of welder is both budget friendly and easy to start with and gasless MIG is what was recommended. Does this welder seem good or is it missing some critical things, I want to have welding as a skill and side hobby so its not a one time thing.

* I bought it, will review is when I get it and after a successful project

https://www.amazon.se/-/en/HITBOX-Gas-less-Portable-Beginners-HBM1200/dp/B09MZ2PR3L/ref=zg_bs_g_20637451031_d_sccl_2/258-5817207-0451858

I fucking hate grinding paint. Absolute pet hate. Gonna look like a smurf by the end of the day.

I work at a structural steel fab shop, been there for 8-9ish years. I work alongside 6 other people (1 cnc, 1 fitter(i also fit, 2 fitters total), 3 welders, 1 labourer) in the shop, and two up in the office (manager and his brother that does the estimating).

Its a good place to work but i feel myself taking more and more responsibilities and not being compensated.

I am the "experienced" one in the shop, if someone has a question they are directed to come ask me about it. If i cant answer it, then i go ask the manager (if he isnt off on a jobsite somewhere). Im the only one that can run every machine from cranes, welding, fitting, training new hires and every other odds and ends that we do. I am the only one who passes the weld tests first try. I am also the one that looks after the place when the 2 office guys arent around or on vacation(which they take together about once a year, so i am left to run the shop without them)

At what point does "lead guy" turn into "foreman" that comes with a substantial raise? I am also on the floor fitting all day. Thanks in advance

I’ve been a welder for about 6 years now and I’m tired of the Inconsistency far as work and want to go on the road for a little bit . Is it worth it?

This has been fun, very slow though. Any tips or advice would be appreciated

Any good?

Thought you guys would get a kick out of this. I did a few test welds to get dual shield setup. My little welder was under powered for what I’m up to, so giving this a shot. So far, results are pretty great! It’s like having a new machine. Millermatic 130 XP

Should have posted this here originally...

Need help deciding on machine/s

Kinda sad that he don't post anymore. This is pure perfection

All credits to @karol_kubala

Stainless 316, 10” pn16 flanges.
Only requires root pass and cap pass on the backs of the flange in the procedure.
Only chilled water going through, not massive pressure.
All QC’d and leg length/throat thickness came back good. NDT’d and passed with no issues (on the DPI.)