Lincoln Electric LTW2 LEARNING TO STICK WELD - Manual (Page 8)

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LEARNING TO STICK WELD
Multiple Pass Welds
Make multiple pass horizontal fillet joints as shown in the sketch. Put
the first bead in the corner with fairly high current. Hold the electrode
angle needed to deposit the filler beads as shown putting the final
bead against the vertical plate.
Welding in the Vertical Position
Welding in the vertical position can be done either vertical-up or
vertical-down. Vertical-up is used whenever a large, strong weld is
desired. Vertical-down is used primarily on sheet metal for fast, low
penetrating welds.
Vertical-Up Welding
The challenge, when welding vertical-up, is to put the molten metal
where it is wanted and make it stay there. If too much molten metal is
deposited, gravity will pull it downwards and make it “drip.’’
Therefore a certain technique has to be followed:
1. Use 1/8" (3.2mm) at 90-105 amps or 3/32" (2.4mm) at 60 amps
Fleetweld ® 180 electrode.
2. When welding, the electrode should be kept horizontal or pointing
slightly upwards. (See drawing.)
3. The arc is struck and metal deposited at the bottom of the two
pieces to be welded together.
4. Before too much molten metal is deposited, the arc is SLOWLY
moved 1/2”-3/4" (12.5-19mm) upwards. This takes the heat
away from the molten puddle, which solidifies. (If the arc is not
taken away soon enough, too much metal will be deposited, and
it will “drip.’’)
5. The upward motion of the arc is caused by a very slight wrist
motion. The arm must NOT move in and out, as this makes the
entire process very complicated and difficult to learn.
6. If the upward motion of the arc is done with a correct wrist
motion, the arc will automatically become a long arc that
deposits little or no metal. (See drawing.)
7. During this entire process the ONLY thing to watch is the molten
metal. As soon as it has solidified, the arc is SLOWLY brought
back, and another few drops of metal are deposited. DO NOT
FOLLOW THE UP AND DOWN MOVEMENT OF THE ARC WITH THE
EYES. KEEP THEM ON THE MOLTEN METAL.
8. When the arc is brought back to the now solidified puddle, IT
MUST BE SHORT, otherwise no metal will be deposited, the
puddle will melt again, and it will “drip.”
9. It is important to realize that the entire process consists of SLOW,
DELIBERATE movements. There are no fast motions.
Vertical-Down Welding
Vertical-down welds are applied at a fast pace. These welds are
therefore shallow and narrow, and as such are excellent for sheet
metal. Do not use the vertical-down technique on heavy metal. The
welds will not be strong enough.
1. Use 1/8” (3.2mm) or 3/32" (2.4mm) Fleetweld® 180 electrode.
2. On thin metal, use 60-75 amps. (14 ga 75 amps — 16 ga 60
amps.)
3. Hold the electrode in a 30-45° angle with the tip of the electrode
pointing upwards.
4. Hold a VERY SHORT arc, but do not let the
electrode touch the metal.
5. An up and down whipping motion will help
prevent burn-through on very thin plate.
6. Watch the molten metal carefully.
The important thing is to continue lowering the entire arm as the weld
is made so the angle of the electrode does not change. Move the
electrode so fast that the slag does not catch up with the arc.
Vertical-down welding gives thin, shallow welds. It should not be used
on heavy material where large welds are required.