See you there, Jody & Sam.

Jody, you might be disappointed that you got it too hot in the second pass and should have let it cool after the first half, but that’s exactly what we need to see to know where the pitfalls are and what happens if you fall foul of them. Hopefully, a lesson like that gets seared into our brains for good. So thanks for keeping that and not editing it out.

Martin

Many thanks, Jody. Never mind the physics: the results speak for themselves.

And those arc shots of the puddle freezing behind the advancing arc are stunning. It’s like seeing what’s on the dark side of the moon: when welding, we focus on what’s happening just ahead of the arc, so these arc shots are invaluable for forming a mental picture of what will be happening in the trail of the arc (providing we’re maintaining the right technique).

Thanks again, Jody.

Hey, Jody,

I remember recently asking about the shallow electrode angle Andrew was adopting, with a similar joint configuration, and the reasons for it. Looking at the seemingly shallow angle you also use here, I think I can see why: with a relatively shallow angle, you will have plenty of leeway to manipulate the tungsten side to side in a contolled manner, taking your time, with little danger of dipping the electrode. And your cut and etch proves that you can still get perfect penetration even with a shallow angle.

Would you say that’s a fair assessment?

Thanks for another great video. It doesn’t matter how many times you video the same kind of thing, there’s always something new to come out of it.

Martin

Nice one, Sam. Very pretty, and pretty awesome, too.

Martin

I can imagine how annoyed you are: a few years ago my torch fell off the welding table and broke the #8 clear cup, and I’m still annoyed sbout it! The only consolation is that you only ever make that mistake once. Sorry it was a BBW cup in your case, Roy, but you can keep the internals as spares?

Fascinating video, great anecdotes, and so much insight into there being far more to being a welder than just making a satisfactory joint at welding school. So sorry I missed the live version; I only received the about-to-start notifications, which came through at 1am, when I was asleep, so I saw them only the next day. Previously, I’ve had notification some one or 2 days beforehand, giving plenty of notice; I don’t know what happened this time.

I wouldn’t be too happy about not being allowed to use my own helmet (together with its ventilator). You spend years experimenting and customising and investing in optical-quality-glass magnification, only to be told you can’t use it. I understand the reasoning, but it’d have a negative effect on my welding.

Quite an eye-opening video!

Many thanks

Martin

Always good to see unconventional methods or methods that “break the rules”, for at least 2 reasons: to learn that the “rules” are not hard and fast, and to know what you can do to make the impossible become possible - and easy. These tricks highlight the old adage “Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the blind obediance of fools”

I know exactly what you mean by those nodules on the tip. Strange how just a minute (2%) addition of a doping agent can make so much difference. Those nodules look hideous under magnification and do nothing for arc stability.

Thanks very much, Jody.

Martin

Sorry I missed the live chat: somehow, the only notifications I got were ther email alert and the WS alert to say it was about to start, which I saw only when I’d woken the next morning.

But I look forwards to catching up with the recording.

Martin

Thank you, both. And thanks Aren for going to such lengths to find an Internet connection and for your interesting answer to my question about any jobs you would refuse. Your answer reminded me very much of the thoughts of another instructor - I think it was JD - in another Zoom webcast, and I’m pretty sure his remarks were practically identical to yours. I’m now going to watch it over again.

If you have a look at this page:

https://www.tec-science.com/material-science/heat-treatment-steel/annealing-processes/#:~:text=During%20normalizing%2C%20the%20steel%20is,then%20slowly%20cooled%20in%20air.

and watch the video, as well as having a look at the related webpages at the bottom, you’ll agree how complex the subject of heat treatment of steels and other alloys can be. That’s why I very much warmed to your clever idea of a live chat with a specialist, especially if they have a gift for breaking down complicated topics.

A good understanding of the reasons behind heat treatments is essential for a welder, otherwise the day will come when we create a joint with insufficient toughness, which could fracture with possibly disastrous consequences.

Thanks, again

Martin