Hey all,

I'm taking an intro welding class at my local community college where we're starting off learning oxy-acetalyne welding. i'm trying to master a square butt weld with good penetration but either can't get the keyhole to form or it becomes a huge hole.

i've seen the instructor do it twice and i am copying him directly but i still can't get it right. could someone give a little insight into this?

fyi, the thing sparks up like crazy and pops a lot with tons of burning smell. yes, i want to point the blame at something else, could it possibly be that the materials are tainted?

TIA

 

try to you a llittle more acet. You probably have a really pointed flame and I have always found that to be a real problem. Use a flame that has a very slight fuzziness to it and it will get rid of most of the popping. You also need to use the right size tip. If the teacher can use the tip with no problems then the tip size should be fine.

 

yeah, my cone is very pointed. i'll try lowering the flow of acetylene and give that a shot.

Thanks!

 

Make sure the tip is clean.

 

you actually need to increase the flow of acet. to soften the point

 

you have to increase acetylene because too much oxygen will burn holes. example is when you use a cutting torch. it's the high flow of oxygen the cuts the steel.