AboutBelinda R. Gattman Expertise Most on welding and fabrication, blueprints, pipefitting, orbital welding.
I can give advice on technique and choosing the right rods, process, and material to use. I know a few short cuts to use that may help in different areas. I have helped train new welders and have been welding in the construction industry for 31 years.
Experience I have worked in the construction industry 31 years. I have worked in several environments that would include petrol-chemical, nuclear, pharmaceutical, paper mills, clear room facilities, and much more.
Education/Credentials Diploma in Welding Technology - 1976 Augusta Tech. College
Diplomas in Industrial Mechanical Control Tech. specializing in Instrumentation Installation and Electrical Installations -2006-Savannah Tech. College.
Associates Degree in HVAC - 2006 - Savannah Tech. College
Question I am having some difficulty making the transition at the bottom of the pipe going up the back side. I am right handed and don't weld well with my left. I am trying to wrap my left hand which is holding the filler rod around the pipe, but I can't see very well like that. Any pointers for a novice? Thanks
Answer I can tell you how I do it. I use a 1/8 gap with a 1/8 rod. You want your rod to not quite go through. Instead of wrapping your left hand around the pipe, put your hands on the same side of the pipe, lay your rod in the groove then fire up the tig rig and just go straight up the rod in the groove. Once you get the rod started welding just put a little pressure on the rod and hold your tungsten in the middle and as the rod melts the rod will bend around the groove on the pipe. You will see the rod melt and spread out behind the arc. If the rod starts key holeing turn the heat down a little bit. This holds true with walking the cup, too. this will take a little practice but I think you will find this works, at least it does for me. Good luck and let me know how you do.
