Forney 125 FC Operating Manual page 19

2. TRAVEL SPEED is the rate at which the gun is being pushed or pulled along the weld joint.
For a fixed heat setting, the faster the travel speed, the lower the penetration and the lower
and narrower the finished weld bead. Likewise, the slower the travel speed, the deeper the
penetration and the higher and wider the finished weld bead.
TYPES OF WELD BEADS
The following paragraphs discuss the most commonly used welding beads.
Once you have the gun in position with the wire lined up on the weld joint, lower your helmet, pull the
trigger and the arc will start.
In a second or two you will notice a weld puddle form and the base of the bead beginning to build.
It is now time to begin to move with the gun. If you are just learning to weld, simply move the gun
in a straight line and at a steady speed along the weld joint. Try to achieve a weld with the desired
penetration and a bead that is fairly flat and consistent in width.
You can begin to try some different weld bead types.
There are two basic types of weld beads, the stringer bead and the weave bead.
1. The STRINGER BEAD is formed by traveling with the gun in a straight line while keeping the
wire and nozzle centered over the weld joint. This is the easiest type of bead to make.
2. 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
gun. It is best to hesitate momentarily at each side before weaving back the other way.
WELDING POSITIONS
Welding with an AC welder can be done in any of three basic positions: flat, horizontal, and vertical.
Flat welding is generally easier, faster and allows for better penetration. The heat selections will be
affected by the positions. Vertical welding is usually only attempted when using a DC welder. If
possible, the work piece should lie positioned so that the bead will run on a flat surface.
1. The FLAT POSITION is the easiest of the welding positions and is probably the one you have
been using thus far. It is best if you can weld in the flat position if at all possible as good results
are easier to achieve.
2. The HORIZONTAL POSITION is next in difficulty level. It is performed very much the same
as the flat weld except that Angle B (see POSITION THE GUN TO THE WORK PIECE - p17)
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