6 g stick cap

[Newfie_1986]

So how do you get a nice smooth cap on the 6g im finding my stringers want to look stringy and not flat and tidy. Running a big lincoln, have had the arc force up, down, off.
Have had amps from 95 to 130 Oh btw im running 1/8 7018s on the cap 6 inch pipe sch 80

Thanks guys

[snoeproe]

I like to alow my pipe to cool before caping. If the pipe is too hot, caping will be a bit more dificult.

[atc250r]

Use 3/32. When you have that mastered, then learn 1/8.

[gordfraser]

things i try to produce when capping:

get comfortable

yes, let the work cool before capping and turn down the amps 5 to 10 amps.

keep a tight arc.

let your bead wash half way over the previous bead. You should be able to see the shadow of the line to wash over.

hope this helps

[Newfie_1986]

Maybe letting it cool will help. Just a straight run, no manipulation at all or ? I can run a better cap at home, its kind of funny. Must be because im not confined to a booth thats cramped.

Thanks guys

[MadMax31]

I prefer a hot pipe for cap, runs smooth and fast. I look like Barry Bonds while pipe welding, my left arm is wrapped in armor so I can lean right on pipe and be stable, overhead, up or flat.

[Coaltrain]

Just take a good water break and let the coupon cool a little bit. Not completely. I do tight circles. Dont go crazy with your rod movement.

[RuffneckDave]

even on 6" i'd put 2 stringers, looks better to me than a mac daddy weave.

dave

[Tuscany]

If you put a small z weave with your stringers it will help flatten it out but will keep the stinger look your looking for. Also when you are weaving your rod keep your side to side motions parallel with the ground.

[wagin]

Correct rod angle is critical to a smooth, flat cap.

[Newfie_1986]

Got the cap almost down my biggest problem is too much fill and being over on my cap. We are running 3/32 7018 root and hot pass with 2 stringers on top of that and then the cap. The 2 stringers and cap are done with 1/8 7018, a lot of the guys are knocking down their passes in between so they dont go over on their cap. I may have to do the same to get the results I need.

[pokerguy]

Do you have to do the 1/8 7018? I just finished school and we did 3/32 all the way after our root and hot pass. we also used schedule 80, and to me 1/8 for the cap seems excessive the 3/32 were plenty for us. I used a clockwise slow circular motions when going up the left with the edge of the puddle barely touching the edge of the bevel and and a counterclockwise motion when going up the right side. Then when doing my second bead did the same thing just watching the bottom of my puddle making sure I had the correct overlap and going the same speed. I found by doing the clockwise going up the left and counter up the right I didnt have to watch the top of the puddle and never got undercut. Im not pro just my .02 cents

[Newfie_1986]

nah has to be 1/8 aparently no grinding on the test either only on start stops so im going to have to get it right.

[74hotrod]

nah has to be 1/8 aparently no grinding on the test either only on start stops so im going to have to get it right.

Reduce the amount of fill you put into the pipe, that'll allow you to run the 1/8ths without all of the overfill on your cap.Alot of the seasoned guys don't let their pipe to cool down before the cap but in learning the trade you will need to do this for the pipe to "take" the cap better.JMO

[Newfie_1986]

Reducing the amount of fill is the only way, but I cannot go down in rod size, the only answer is to run hotter and move fast on the fill passes to leave enough room for the cap. How much bevel do you all usually leave for the cap to fill in ?

[justinT]

Use 3/32. When you have that mastered, then learn 1/8.

I agree with this also run the 3/32 fast as you can without getting undercut and the bead will be nice and small and flat :]

[Newfie_1986]

lol guys I cannot take the test with 3/32, great idea but they will fail me for it. 1/8 is it