Finally got my weld test piece to pass the bend test after three tries

My first two attempts on the 3/8 inch plate had porosity that showed up as little cracks. I was rushing the root pass, honestly. Slowed way down on the third go, kept my arc tight and my travel speed steady, and let each pass cool a bit more. The inspector cut the coupons yesterday and all four bends were clean, no tears bigger than an eighth of an inch. It's a small thing, but it feels good to see the direct result of fixing a bad habit. Anyone have a different trick for keeping that root pass clean on thick plate?

3 comments

3 Comments

nathanthompson2mo ago

Nice work sticking with it. My first time trying to lay tile in a straight line looked like a drunk person did it, so I get the feeling. Sounds like slowing down was the real trick, huh?

robin6581mo ago

That first tile project is always a mess.

jadeprice2mo ago

But what if you just need to get it done fast? Honestly sometimes rushing through a project is the only way it ever gets finished.