Tig Stick Welding Test Practice – Part 1
Practicing for a tig welding test without pipe. Not all welding schools have pipe programs and with budget cuts, not all welding schools even have beveled plates for welding tests. IF you want to become a pipe welder, Here is a way to get some preliminary practice runs on root pass and filler passes using tig and flat bar.
This video shows some techniques for tig welding a root pass.
This is a way to prepare for a pipe welding test even if you don’t have any pipe.
The next best thing to practicing on pipe is plate that is beveled and gapped exactly as the pipe welding test would be set up.
Typically , that would be with a 37.5 degree bevel, and a 3/32” to 1/8” gap and feather edge.
If you cant get beveled plate, the next best thing is to just use flat bar that is gapped about 1/8” and tack welded to roughly a 75-90 degree angle.
I like to use a Tig Finger and move the torch forward and back with the rod laying right in the gap.
I bear down on the tip of the rod with a tight arc and use about 100-120 amps, a 3/32” or 1/8” 2% lanthanated or throated tungsten. By moving the arc forward and back, it punches the metal thru and then backing up just makes sure to smooth it out.
What’s your technique for putting in a tig root pass?
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February 1, 2012 at 2:46 PM
Jody Great site, is there anyway that you could add a next button so we can go on to the next video? Its not a big thing just a thought.
I learn so much from shielding the glare I know its basic again however it separates you the pro from the others.
I also watched some other peoples videos and they just don’t measure up. I’m not sure how you talk to us and refer to great points without a script. There is just no substitute for experience.
I have been signed up for welding tips and tricks. com for a long time, your videos inspired me to purchase a tig system on line that i have to rig up to my lincoln stick welder some how. I was trying to purchase it on a budget. I’m sure I’ll come up with something.
April 13, 2012 at 5:25 AM
ordered your tig finger dealy .. i used to work a t a race engine shop and we used the same material on the spark plug boots… good idea. watched your aluminum tig video and never welding aluminum i pulled a very good bead! one more thing in my shop i can do in house . .. Kono
August 10, 2011 at 8:31 AM
Just magic to have a teacher around the other side of the world. Thanks for the effort you have taken to pass on your skills. I am a home shop welder and all sorts engineer. Have been doing welding (stick and gas ) for many years and managed to make some interesting stuff but now I am learning the tricks of the trade from you,
Thanks very much