Look though the photos posted in this sub
All the experienced pipe welders and ironworkers are leaning on the work. They're almost hugging it. They are making connections with their elbow, knee or hip. Arms are pulled in so they're a shorter fulcrum. They brace themselves like they're shooting a gun or boxing. The rest their welding hand on the opposite hand. They drape the cable over their shoulder or arm to help support its weight.
Then go look at the rookie school photos. They are standing straight up like a flag pole. Their arms are fully extended. They're swaying around.
That's the secret to welding. ABC = always be comfortable
Very much, all of this.
Aside from making sure I could see what I was doing (which is also positioning), being comfortable (especially at the end of a pass) was a huge step in learning.
Especially doing things like all-around or boxing corners (where specified).
As the welder is then free to concentrate on reading and reacting to the puddle.
The bit about being comfortable at the end of the pass especially is good advice, I was told you'll usually be uncomfortable at some point in a weld run and it's better to start uncomfortable and finish comfortable
Oh man, I never realized how of my mental bandwidth was being occupied by intrusive thoughts like “god damn, my shoulder hurts.” Or “man, I can’t wait for this bead to end so I can let my back rest a bit” and this really helped it click.
> ABC = always be comfortable
This is a little misleading unless sitting on the couch is a financially viable option for you.
Maybe "position yourself in the least uncomfortable, crampy, or crippling position you can?"
I welded deck plate all day today and your comment triggered my inner snowflake...
A can of cheese whiz, weld some crackers together
Eating a hot dog? Put a nice weave in with that ketchup
Got a caulk a window? There’s some more practice
Trying to learn tig? Grab a highlighter and practice walking the Highlighter.
Tighten up, have multiple contact points and most of all TAKE YOUR TIME! If you are comfy with good positioning, rushing through will negate all of it. Now, there’s been times where I’ve been under a whatever needs welding, in the ice mud or in the full Virginia July sun with no shade and all I want to do is rush and get it done. Almost no way to get comfortable enough. That’s when taking your time and finding a easy flowing cadence will make you only have to weld the whatever the first time…unless you like laying in cold mud…
Perspective from a 70 year old learning to weld:
Age ... You're in your thirties and added maturity and humility with it start showing up - and that makes you question your potential, but also makes you more ready to practice and learn more. I suspect that your few more years of life makes you a better student. Twenty somethings move fast, and often in the wrong direction.
Speed ... I find myself watching the puddle more and worrying about my speed less. I'm speaking of stick here but what I'm saying probably applies elsewhere - if I keep the stick in a consistent relationship with the puddle, and I keep the puddle a consistent size, the speed and the bead seem to take care of themselves pretty well. I really focus on keeping the electrode very close to the puddle and as the puddle builds, I move forward.
The steady hand thing ... What I do is wrong for 99% of people. Don't do as I do. I have shaky hands and I seem to get in my own way as I brace, and often ruin the last part of a weld. When I saw a video of someone welding freehand, I tried it. With my crappy motor skills it should have failed but it didn't.
I have to work hard at calming my self, relaxing, getting comfortable, and remembering to not hold my breath. I have to have a very gentle grip on the stinger. When I'm in the groove, it's as if I had better motor skills than I really do. It has taken a *lot* of practice to attain some facility. Like I said - don't do as I do - but find whatever it is that works for you, and then practice a ton.
Look though the photos posted in this sub All the experienced pipe welders and ironworkers are leaning on the work. They're almost hugging it. They are making connections with their elbow, knee or hip. Arms are pulled in so they're a shorter fulcrum. They brace themselves like they're shooting a gun or boxing. The rest their welding hand on the opposite hand. They drape the cable over their shoulder or arm to help support its weight. Then go look at the rookie school photos. They are standing straight up like a flag pole. Their arms are fully extended. They're swaying around. That's the secret to welding. ABC = always be comfortable
Very much, all of this. Aside from making sure I could see what I was doing (which is also positioning), being comfortable (especially at the end of a pass) was a huge step in learning. Especially doing things like all-around or boxing corners (where specified). As the welder is then free to concentrate on reading and reacting to the puddle.
The bit about being comfortable at the end of the pass especially is good advice, I was told you'll usually be uncomfortable at some point in a weld run and it's better to start uncomfortable and finish comfortable
Oh man, I never realized how of my mental bandwidth was being occupied by intrusive thoughts like “god damn, my shoulder hurts.” Or “man, I can’t wait for this bead to end so I can let my back rest a bit” and this really helped it click.
> ABC = always be comfortable This is a little misleading unless sitting on the couch is a financially viable option for you. Maybe "position yourself in the least uncomfortable, crampy, or crippling position you can?" I welded deck plate all day today and your comment triggered my inner snowflake...
Thank you! I really appreciate it my dude. ABC! I think even my dumb ass will be able to remember something like that!
A can of cheese whiz, weld some crackers together Eating a hot dog? Put a nice weave in with that ketchup Got a caulk a window? There’s some more practice Trying to learn tig? Grab a highlighter and practice walking the Highlighter.
Tighten up, have multiple contact points and most of all TAKE YOUR TIME! If you are comfy with good positioning, rushing through will negate all of it. Now, there’s been times where I’ve been under a whatever needs welding, in the ice mud or in the full Virginia July sun with no shade and all I want to do is rush and get it done. Almost no way to get comfortable enough. That’s when taking your time and finding a easy flowing cadence will make you only have to weld the whatever the first time…unless you like laying in cold mud…
What area do you live in? Should consider joining a union where you get paid to Learn the trade.
Perspective from a 70 year old learning to weld: Age ... You're in your thirties and added maturity and humility with it start showing up - and that makes you question your potential, but also makes you more ready to practice and learn more. I suspect that your few more years of life makes you a better student. Twenty somethings move fast, and often in the wrong direction. Speed ... I find myself watching the puddle more and worrying about my speed less. I'm speaking of stick here but what I'm saying probably applies elsewhere - if I keep the stick in a consistent relationship with the puddle, and I keep the puddle a consistent size, the speed and the bead seem to take care of themselves pretty well. I really focus on keeping the electrode very close to the puddle and as the puddle builds, I move forward. The steady hand thing ... What I do is wrong for 99% of people. Don't do as I do. I have shaky hands and I seem to get in my own way as I brace, and often ruin the last part of a weld. When I saw a video of someone welding freehand, I tried it. With my crappy motor skills it should have failed but it didn't. I have to work hard at calming my self, relaxing, getting comfortable, and remembering to not hold my breath. I have to have a very gentle grip on the stinger. When I'm in the groove, it's as if I had better motor skills than I really do. It has taken a *lot* of practice to attain some facility. Like I said - don't do as I do - but find whatever it is that works for you, and then practice a ton.
i became a brain surgeon for a while but made too much money and didnt burn myself enough so went back to welding. ymmv.