How To Produce a Good Bead

by Kevin Johnson
(Dallas Texas)

In order to produce a good bead you first need to mock the pass without initiating the gun trigger. This will reveal any obstacles that may influence the integrity of the hot pass such as hose snags, loss of puddle view,body positioning creating loss of balance or proper tip to work angle and distance etc. Producing a consistent bead with uniform shape is dependent on maintaining a constant view of your puddle.

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May 09, 2016
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cast iron repair NEW
by: Ron

Cold welding with stick electrode to me is best way to go because of cost of material and great selection of cast electrode.

Oct 30, 2013
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GMAW Cracks Answer
by: Anonymous

In response to the question on Cast Iron cracks by: Anonymous below - Not usually. The cast rejects the weld metal from the gmaw process.

Aug 21, 2012
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It's a Good Idea!
by: Alan Thomas

Good tip! I have not used this technique enough.

Jun 22, 2012
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Goody Beads
by: Anonymous

This was one of the most difficult things that I just could not figure out. I most always threw a nice bead down but there were those times when well the beads looked well not good. Then one day I tried the mock run and that was all it took! Very good article to those new welders out there.

Jul 21, 2011
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I stick weld
by: Anonymous

I stick weld with a licoln 225 amp cracker box. I got it cheap. I cant afford a mig or tig.

Mar 12, 2011
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Another tip to produce a good bead.
by: Old guy

Also when doing your mock pass, you may find a portion of your travel which becomes uncomfortable and difficult to hold steady. If so, try to set yourself up to begin in the uncomfortable position so that as you near the end of the bead and begin to tire you are progressing to a more comfortable, relaxed position.

Aug 26, 2010
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Cast iron repair
by: Eden

Cast irons are alloys and you need to know which type you are dealing with when it comes to repair. "White iron" cannot be welded or brazed on, however "Malleable iron" which is produced by heat treating "white iron" can be welded provided it is not heated above its critical temperature @ 1382 degrees F. "Ductile iron" can be arc welded but you have to preheat and post-heat the piece. A spark test is a good way of identifying which cast iron you are working with because there is also "gray iron","compacted graphite iron" and "alloy iron".

Aug 23, 2010
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Cast Iron cracks
by: Anonymous

Thanks for the tip. Question, can I use GMAW to repair cracks on cast iron?

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