leep89•1mo ago

Old timer in Baton Rouge told me to 'listen to the metal' before I tack a joint

3 comments

3 Comments

the_jake1mo ago

Yeah I read that tip in a welding forum and it's solid advice for feeling the heat.

noah9141mo ago

Yeah "feeling the heat" is so real. I remember my first time trying that trick on some thick plate and I actually let off the pedal too early because I was nervous. But once you get that feel for it, it's like something just clicks and you can tell exactly when the puddle is right without even looking sometimes. I've definitely burned through more than a few joints by being too cautious though lol. It's funny how the smallest adjustment in speed or angle can change the whole weld, too.

nancy8201mo ago

So @noah914, what's the trick for knowing when you've held the pedal just a hair too long before it blows through? I've cooked a few thin gauge pieces trying to get that perfect puddle and it always catches me off guard. Would love to hear how you dial in that timing on different thicknesses.