*** This file containe Ernie Leimkuhler's advice on vertical welds with 7018 ***
*** It is highly useful, but I am not the author, Ernie is                   ***

From: Ernie Leimkuhler 
Newsgroups: sci.engr.joining.welding
Subject: Re: Ernie/7018 question


I can explain the stance, the approach, the travel speed, and the arc
distance, but without pictures it can still be hard to grasp.

OK to start.

I will go with a fillet weld to explain stance.

Put a 1/8" 7018 electrode in the stinger.

Feet placed shoulder width apart, facing the table.
Position your pieces near the edge of the table.

Hold the upper piece in place while tacking.
Tack both ends.
To tack use a scratching motion sideways to strike the arc, then hold
the arc in place long enough for a strong tack to form.

At all times you must maintain a very short arc.

Every time you stop the arc you must chip or tap the flux off the end.
You can tap the rod on the floor, the wide end of a chipping hammer, or
a piece of steel in your hand..
You can also use your thumb to to break the flux crown off the end, but
this can break off more flux than you want.
Too much exposed wire on the rod end will make it stick like crazy.

To make the fillet weld.
Start with the rod at a 90 degree angle side to side and 45 degrees up
and down.
Now swing the back end of the rod 10 to 20 degrees in the direction of
travel.
Now swing it down about 30 degrees so you have an angle of 10 to 20
degrees from the table.

Strike the arc using a slight sideways scratching technique then hold
the arc about 1/16" from the metal.

7018 can be run with a simple stringer bead (no weave) or a slight slow
side to side weave, but never crossing over existing flux, hence no
circles or back and forth motions.

Proper travel speed means using a 14" electrode in 5" to 6" of weld.
This holds for any position.

All motion must be slow and smooth.
Beads should have an even smooth appearance, with a smooth tie in on
both sides.

There should never be any sharp crevices.

If you run a good brand of 7018 at the correct speed and motion, the
flux should be very easy to remove.

My favorite brand is Lincoln Excalibur.