Welding guides
Parts, troubleshooting, equipment, and life in the trade. Browse by topic or search below.
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Why Weld Beads Look Inconsistent
Inconsistent weld beads usually come from variation in heat input, travel speed, arc length, wire feed, shielding gas coverage, or joint preparation. The visible bead pattern is often the result of one…
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Exothermic Cutting Rod Will Not Stay Lit
If an exothermic cutting rod will not stay lit, start with oxygen delivery, rod condition, and starting technique. Most ignition problems come from inconsistent gas flow, a worn consumable, or a poor…
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Flap Disc Loading Up on Aluminum
Flap disc loading on aluminum is usually a material-transfer problem, not just a disc problem. Aluminum is soft, gummy, and prone to packing into the abrasive surface. Once the disc loads, cut…
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Grinding Disc Glazing Instead of Cutting
When a grinding disc glazes, it stops cutting freely and starts skidding, smearing, or heating the work. The problem is usually not the wheel alone. Check pressure, speed, contact angle, and whether…
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8018W vs 8018-C3 for Welding Weathering Steel
Use 8018W when the weld must weather with ASTM A588, A242, Cor-Ten-type, or similar atmospheric-corrosion-resistant steel. Use 8018-C3 when the job calls for an 80 ksi low-hydrogen electrode with nickel-based toughness, especially…
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Carbon Arc Gouging Produces Ragged Groove
When carbon arc gouging produces a ragged groove, the cut is usually being driven too hard, too fast, or with poor torch control. In carbon arc gouging, groove shape is controlled by…
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Carbon Arc Gouging Rod Not Striking
If a carbon arc gouging rod will not strike, start with the basics: current path, air supply, holder contact, and the rod itself. Most no-strike complaints come from loss of contact, poor…
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Why Stainless Welds Lose Corrosion Resistance
Stainless steel can lose corrosion resistance after welding when the weld area is overheated, not cleaned properly, or matched with the wrong filler. The base metal may still be stainless, but the…
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Drill Bit Chatter When Drilling Steel
Drill Bit Chatter When Drilling Steel Drill bit chatter in steel usually points to a setup problem, a tool condition problem, or both. The bit is not cutting smoothly, so it starts…