Welding beads, also known as bead welds or welding beads, are created when filler material is deposited in a joint connecting two pieces of metal. When this filler material is made, how you move the torch affects how you create the puddle and the bead you put in the joint.
The purpose of using different torch movements
Just like sewing a cloth, there are also different ways to weld a bead into a metal joint. The difference between tailors and welders is that welders have to do their work in various positions while wearing safety gear like a face shield and gloves.
Another reason why you should use different torch movements is because of gravity. The metal pieces you are welding are not always facing desirable positions. There are instances when you have to weld overhead, thus requiring you to work fast. The molten metal can drip instead of filling the joint if you fail to work quickly.
Aside from selecting the suitable filler material and choosing the correct settings, you should also know what hand stroke to use and the proper speed of moving the puddle to ensure that the bead attaches to the metal easily.
Types of welding beads
Torch manipulation is essentially the same whether you feed the weld pool with a mechanically fed wire, a separate filler rod, or an electrode stick. But these techniques are mainly done using one process.
There are two types of welding beads: stringer beads and weave beads.
Stringer Beads
A stringer bead is a straightforward process where you follow a straight line while pulling or pushing the torch across the joint with minimal side-to-side movement.
Pulling or dragging the torch means that the electrode is at an angle when you are going towards the forward welding direction, which leads to the puddle. This movement allows for maximum penetration and a weld that looks full and robust.
These welding beads function best when working with heat-sensitive or thin materials. When pushing the torch, lean the tip away from the puddle and follow it as you weld. The molten material for vertical joints will tend to drip or fall downwards, so pushing it will keep the heat away from the puddle, enabling the weld to harden quickly.
Weave Beads
For welds that cover a wide area, you can move your torch from side to side in a weaving motion along the joint. Weaving is the fastest way to work with a fat joint, like groove welds on thick stock. You can use weave beads on a perpendicular or fillet weld.
There are different ways to create weave beads, and welders have their preferences on which to use.
Aside from filling more expansive areas, weaving can be used to control how hot the weld puddle is. You can also pause on either side of the weld so that you can get good adhesion in the metal pieces and prevent the edges from undercutting.
But you should move quickly when going across the centre of the joint, or you could end up with a bulge in the middle of a high crown. So, it would be best to have a flat or a slightly convex weld face when weaving.
There are also different types of weave beads that are best used in specific circumstances. For example, a triangle bead is best used with a steep pocket or vertical welding. A semi-circle weave can be used to prevent the puddle from overheating. But, if you prefer more heat, you can use a crescent weave.