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On a fillet weld joint, the nozzle is generally
positioned in such a manner so as to split the
angle between the horizontal and vertical
members of the weld joint. In most cases, a
fillet weld will be 45 degrees.
Distance from the Work Piece
The end of the welding torch is designed with
the contact tip recessed from the end of the
nozzle and the nozzle electrically insulated
from the rest of the torch. This permits the
operator to actually rest the nozzle on the
work piece and drag it along while welding.
This can be very helpful to beginning welders
to steady the torch, allowing the welder to
concentrate on welding technique. If the noz-
zle is held off the work piece, the distance
between the nozzle and the work piece
should be kept constant and should not
exceed 1/4 inch or the arc may begin
sputtering, signaling a loss in welding
performance.
WELDING TECHNIQUES
WARNING
EXPOSURE TO A WELDING ARC IS
EXTREMELY HARMFUL TO THE EYES
AND SKIN! Prolonged exposure to the weld-
ing arc can cause blindness and burns.
Never strike an arc or begin welding until you
are adequately protected. Wear flameproof
welding gloves, a heavy long sleeved shirt,
cuffless trousers, high topped shoes and a
welding helmet.
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL! To prevent
ELECTRIC SHOCK, do not perform any
welding while standing, kneeling, or lying
directly on the grounded work.
MOVING THE TORCH
Torch travel refers to the movement of the
torch along the weld joint and is broken into
two elements: Direction and Speed. A solid
weld bead requires that the welding torch be
moved steadily and at the right speed along
the weld joint. Moving the torch too fast, too
slow, or erratically will prevent proper fusion
or create a lumpy, uneven bead.
1. TRAVEL DIRECTION is the direction the
torch is moved along the weld joint in
relation to the weld puddle. The torch is
either PUSHED (see Figure 11) into the
weld puddle or PULLED away from the
weld puddle.
Figure 11. Travel Direction
For most welding jobs you will pull the
torch along the weld joint to take advan-
tage of the greater weld puddle visibility.
2. TRAVEL SPEED is the rate at which the
torch is being pushed or pulled along the
weld joint. For a fixed heat setting, the
faster the travel speed, the lower the pen-
etration and the lower and narrower the
finished weld bead. Likewise, the slower
the travel speed, the deeper the penetra-
tion 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 torch 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 begin-
ning to build. It is now time to begin to move
with the torch. If you are just learning to
weld, simply move the torch in a straight line
and at a steady speed along the weld joint.
Try to achieve a weld with the desired pene-
tration and a bead that is fairly flat and con-
sistent in width.
As you become more familiar with your new
welder and better at laying some simple weld
beads, you can begin to try some different
weld bead types.
17
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