I do the Weld Tests with quicker acting acids .  But I would not restrict someone from doing this should the code in question not specify what should be done.

BUT AWS D1.1-2010 says "A suitable Solution shall be used for etching to give a clear definition of the weld. "

Other codes are a bit more specific but even those in Sec IX are "Suggested" but do require a visible heat affected zone.

I have seen manufacturers use a torch and heat tint.

One thought though on the level of detail needed, typically the only thing being looked at is penetration, fusion, and discontinuities of a size that can be seen by the naked eye. (1/32" in the case of Section IX for Performance)

Have a good one.
Gerald

Well,

The 300K didn't all go to welding. Tim was a key player in getting everything selected and did a good job. We have the following.

5 XMT 350Mpa Power Sources
3 Invision 352Mpa Power SOurces
8 S74Mpa Wire Feeders
2 Syncrowave 250's
1 Realweld Trainer
10 Miller Arcstation Tables
1 Doall 1417 Vertical Bandsaw
1 Scotchman 50 Ton Ironworker
1 Lincoln/Torchmate 4x4 plasma table with Hypertherm Powermax 65
1 Sawyer Guided Bend Tester
10 Miller Filtair Fume Extractors
1 Oxy Acet Cart w/Victor Equipment
1 EH Wachs Electric Pipe Beveler
Ingersoll Rand Air Compressor
and associated accessories.

In addition to the welding equipment, there was a considerable amount of training aids and assessment devices purchased for mechanical, pneumatic, electrical, and PLC's. 

There are also two classroom equipped with  Large Screen TV's and support equipment.

I am looking forward to getting started. I am hoping to get things going soon.

Have a good day
Gerald

Many may already know this and many may not have any issues with handling acid. I would think HS instructors may be limited on what they can do when it comes to etching.

Regular White Vinegar from the grocery store will do a pretty decent job but itt may take a day or so. Attached are some pics of a few pieces that were etched this way.

Sound like a good deal for them. On that Victor Torch, I have a small one with an "Ergonomic" handle. It too leaked at the tip. Brand new torch, brand new tip.

Have a good day.

Gerald

I offered to wear my "Sunday gotomeetin" overalls but I was told that was not a good idea.

I haven't actually done much yet other than some consulting. My sales skills may need some work. It may be hard to believe, but I talk too much :)

I am looking forward to starting a few projects. I have most of the quality system together for testing welders (ATF and NON-ATF will all be done with the guidelines of AWS B5.4).

The open enrollment classes have not caught on yet. I guess I should quit telling people that a 20.00 per hour job with 4 hours of training is unlikely!

Have  a good one

Gerald

I am not sure where it came from. It was changed once before I even know what it was. I was shooting for the "Grand Pooh-bah of Welding Stuff" but was shot down.

I also am not allowed to publicly refer to the building with the word "center", so there is something to a name.

Gerald

Cool. Thanks !!!!!  Now I have to get that picture at the post office taken down!

I think there may be some issues with mechanical properties if you use copper adjacent to stainless welds if the possibility of contamination exists.

I have used other low melting point alloys to induce cracks in stainless samples for PT.

But as with many things, it may be just fine. I personally would fear the copper more than the sugar!

Have a great day.

Gerald

EDIT: http://products.asminternational.org/fach/data/fullDisplay.do?database=faco&record=384&trim=false

If you are in a service environment that requires heat tint and oxidation to be removed, and you do so by chemical means you have t o consider the ability to remove the pickling agent after you are done (faying surfaces that cannot be accessed or internal surfaces that may allow collection.)

You would also normally follow up with a passivation process that restores the chromium oxide layer.

"Sugar" or root oxidation is not a problem in many cases but that is a decision for engineers to put in the specs and not a matter for the lowly inspector. Many codes for piping do not address this "condition" as a defect. As with everything, the service conditions evaluated by engineering professionals should be the deciding factor. 

There are documented research studies  that show the mechanical properties of welds made without purge being equal to or bettter than some welds made without purge.  http://www.aws.org/wj/supplement/WJ_2014_04_s124.pdf

Here is a statement from an abstract of an EPRI article at http://www.epri.com/abstracts/Pages/ProductAbstract.aspx?ProductId=000000000001009717

Moderate to severe surface oxidation (generically referred to as "sugaring") is thought to degrade the mechanical and corrosion properties of SS weldments. This study involved an analysis of surface oxidation on stainless steel weldments.

Test results showed that surface roughness due to severe sugaring could potentially compromise mechanical properties and crack initiation sites if subsurface defects are created. Basic mechanical data (bends, tensile and hardness measurements) showed little affect due to sugaring. Corrosion tests (ASTM Practice A, C and E) also showed no detrimental affects produced by the various degrees of sugaring.

I am not saying sugar is "OK" just that sometimes it just may not matter. Of course its hard to call over all my welding buddies and impress em with the golden wedding band on the inside of my coupon.

Many a superheater pendants have been welded in with no purge and RT.

When I think of "High Purity" the term "paint" never comes to mind however that is based upon a limited exposure to many industries.

Now on to read the rest of the responses :)

I have used that before.

Another place the "developer" method comes in handy is leak tests on a gas tight component that is verified by liquid "leak test". 

I did some 3rd party inspection where I was to inspect for "any evidence" of leakage on duct work and air pollution control equipment.  On joints with multiple faying surfaces, it would take a considerable amount of time to both wait for the leak and also get back up in a lift to look (the procedure that was approved did not account for joint configurations that may take a day or so for capillary action to do its thing. Spraying the joints or at least starts/stop and corners would greatly help things become visible faster. On some of the above cases, I never saw any liquid but actually discovered cracks that became evident from shop "dust" gathering at the crack ever so faintly.

In addition, with the liquid leak test, you could wipe it off, spray it again, and see the exact location of the opening.

Have a nice day

Gerald

I am not sure what "accredited" means in relationship to welding education. (Other than SENSE and an AWS ATF)

Schools may be "accredited" by various organizations that may no nothing about welding.

A school that has authorization to display the SENSE accreditation may just be able to support Level I (Entry Welders).

I would strongly suggest talking to the instructor.  2 Weeks of Tig (80 Hours I imagine) may work wonders for you. Then again, it may take a little more time depending on your goals and existing experience.

Gerald Austin
Have a good day.

Those are incredible. Inspiration !  We just had a "Ribbon Cutting" today where I teach. Right now we are still in the "booth" stage!

Thats a great thing you are doing with your students !

Have a great day .

Gerald

Hey Allan,

I appreciate your response. I have only been to a couple of the local meetings so kinda getting my feet wet there. Though I do probably speak up a little more freely than someone who is "new" should. I have yet to get too deeply involved with industry here but my point about organizing is more of an idea I had for a larger scale. The "Instructors Institute" section of the forum really got my attention when it was put in the forum but I really never did find out what it was about.

The local scene where I am is still being developed on my side and I will keep your information in my mind as I move forward here.

Have a great day and thanks so much for your information. I may have more to post about the subject.

Gerald Austin

I would think there is more usable data 1000 year old pieces of paper than there are 40 hear old magnetic media. :)

Often times Email Accounts aren't hacked, They are "spoofed". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Email_spoofing  One way to minimize that is to try to avoid having a text version of your email address online anywhere.

This will prevent and or eliminate spoofing that is generated by Web-bots searching the internet for the @ symbol or the word "at".

That will not prevent your email from having problems.

Another contributing factor is replying to or opening any kind of "unusual" email and especially responding to it. When you do, your email address becomes a valid target.

Here is a site that actually lists one of my old ones http://www.email-format.com/d/weldinginspectionsvcs.com/ for a domain I am no longer in control of and an add

I would just be wary of posting my email address if I was concerned with security issues. I have multiple domains so whenever I want to post an email address online, I can make up a new email address, post it in that location only, and see what kind of junk comes to that address.

If you look at http://www.email-format.com/d/spemail.org/ your old one isn't t here but that doesn't mean it isn't floating around somewhere else. If you scroll over the right side of the list, you will see options to validate addresses or mark them as bad. I think the only reason for this is for people to gather email addresses for spam and phishing mail.

Also notice at the top of the page the ability to download as a spreadsheet.  A great way to bulk send messages.

Have a good day.

Gerald Austin

Hello Allan, hope all is well with you. Sorry it took awhile for me to follow up on this great response. Your comments are great and bring to light some different things to consider. My desire has been to teach and I am relatively new to the process compared to my work experience. And of course, I enjoy sharing what little things I have gathered over the years with others. The problem is that I may not have gathered all I need too be as effective as I need to be. I think sharing and networking among instructors would be a great way for me to grow personally and hopefully help others.  I sometimes have my "head in the sand" when it comes to the "business side" of teaching.

The stumbling blocks you speak of are so true but I think the "financial" one may also be related to good ole pride and ego. Maybe some people don't want to be helped or to share their ideas for various reasons. Or mmaybe some people don't want to known for sharing their ideas or needing help from others. Maybe there is a concern that supervisors will change opinions, or look for others to do their job.

Regardless of the reason, I think and hope there are individuals who desire to help the skills and abilities of others interested in welding develop in a way better than theirs did.

I attended a conference last summer in Indiana and mentioned organizing instructors. No response or follow up. ( I don't discount the possibility that many shied away from me because sometime I do talk too much about some subjects). But thse people were there ! So I would think they are interested in growing as instructors. Sure the conferences and vendor "show and tells" are great. But I think there is something to be said for peer to peer social learning. Yet it doesn't seem to have "caught on" here for organized subjects related to teaching. The "Instructors Institute" heading has NO activity. I don't even know what the "Instructors Institute"is. 

You and many others have contributed tremendous amounts of wealth and knowledge on this forum. I think this style of forum is unmatched for social learning. Facebook, Linked in and others pale in comparison to this forum and others related to welding.  I have recently tried to spend less time here and more on some of the newer platforms to see how useful they were. And as far as useful information, nothing beats this !  But as instructors, I think there are so many things to discuss, that an entire website could be devoted to it. (But thats another topic).

My weak point in the teaching world is awareness of many of the things you discuss in your reply and I could make quite a few posts/question about many of the things you wrote. Much food for thought.

I wanted to write more but need to get to the shop.

Of course the FLOW is great in the post. My brain operates more like the water splashed from a dixie cup by a dropped bowling ball!

Thank you so much for your time and advice over the years.

have a great day

Gerald Austin

Allan, Thanks. I look forward to it !

Have a great day.

Gerald

Same to you !

I have often wondered why instructors do not organize a bit better. We all have varying types of skills and experiences. I recently suggested our local section try to network instructors in the area but not really sure how it went over. Even went as far as building a "Welding Instructors" forum to allow for semi-private discussions of topics related to welding education.  But that too, not much interest.

At the Educational Conference that AWS had this past year in Indiana, I brought the topic up. Not much interest.

If you are close to Northeast Tennessee, I have considered hosting an educational session here for instructors to share ideas, develop skills, and discuss training methods.  Haven't went forward with it yet. Things are starting a little slow here so I better not bring up anything new to those I work for.

However, If you are ever in the Greeneville Tn area, look me up.

Gerald Austin
6626600162 Call or Text

I haven't been on the forum in awhile but WELCOME.

Have a great day.

Gerald Austin

Very Sad. A tremendous contributor to my knowledge and understanding.

Welcome to the forum!

Everyone learns differently so I would try to gain as much information as possible. I strongly Suggest the AWS Welding Handbook Volume 1- 8th or 9th edition. It has a pretty good summary of most of the topics referred to in the BOK. Itt by no means is all inclusive of every question on the test but that along with the Certification Manual for Welding Inspectors is all I used for self study. However I did not use the materials for study only. They were a daily read just because I liked em.

I am not sure what a Pre-Seminar Class is and have not taken one but I am sure for some people its extremely helpful in helping the upcoming information in the seminar soak in better.

The materials listed at http://www.aws.org/certification/endorsebok/index.html would be the place to start. One thing about the Welding Handbook Volume one is the fact that it has quite a bit of information taken from the other referenced documents.

CHAPTER 1 – SURVEY OF JOINING, CUTTING, AND ALLIED PROCESSES
Introduction
Joining Processes
Cutting Processes
Thermal Spraying
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 2--PHYSICS OF WELDING AND CUTTING
Introduction
Fusion and Solid-State Welding
Energy Sources for Welding
Arc Characteristics
Metal Transfer
Melting Rates
Physical Properties of Metals and Shielding Gases
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 3--HEAT FLOW IN WELDING
Introduction
Heat Flow Fundamentals
Quantitative Calculation of Heat Transfer in Fusion Welding
Conduction of Heat during Fusion Welding
Convective Heat Transfer in the Weld Pool
Relative Importance of Conduction and Convection
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 4--WELDING METALLURGY
Introduction
Physical Metallurgy
Metallurgy of Welding
Weldability of Commercial Alloys
Corrosion in Weldments
The Brazed or Soldered Joint
Corrosion in Brazed and Soldered Joints
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 5--DESIGN FOR WELDING
Introduction
Properties of Metals
Weldment Design Program
Welded Design Considerations
Design of Welded Joints
Selection of Weld Type
Sizing of Steel Welds
Tubular Connections
Aluminum Structures
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 6--TEST METHODS FOR EVALUATING WELDED JOINTS
Introduction
Testing for Strength
Hardness Tests
Bend Tests
Fracture Toughness Testing
Fatigue Testing
Corrosion Testing
Creep and Rupture Testing
Testing of Thermal Spray Applications
Weldability Testing
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 7--RESIDUAL STRESS AND DISTORTION
Introduction
Fundamentals
Nature and Causes of Residual Stress
Effects of Residual Stress
Measurement of Residual Stress
Residual Stress Distribution Patterns
Effects of Specimen Size and Weight
Effects of Welding Sequence
Residual Stress in Welds Made with Different Welding Processes
Weld Distortion
Reducing or Controlling Residual Stress and Distortion
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 8--SYMBOLS FOR JOINING AND INSPECTION
Introduction
Fundamentals
Welding Symbols
Welding Symbols for Specific Weld
Brazing Symbols
Soldering Symbols
Inspection Symbols
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 9--WELDMENT TOOLING AND POSITIONING
Introduction
Fixtures
Positioners
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 10--MONITORING AND CONTROL OF WELDING AND JOINING PROCESSES
Introduction
Principles of Monitoring and Control
Sensing Devices
Process Instrumentation
Process Monitoring Systems
Process Control Systems
Monitoring and Control Systems
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 11--MECHANIZED, AUTOMATED, AND ROBOTIC WELDING
Introduction
Mechanized Welding
Automated Welding
Robotic Welding
Planning for Automated and Robotic Welding
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 12--ECONOMICS OF WELDING AND CUTTING
Introduction
The Cost Estimate
Economics of Welding
Automated and Robotic Systems
Economics of Resistance Spot Welding
Capital Investment in Welding Automation and Robotics
Control of Welding Costs
Economics of Brazing and Soldering
Economics of Thermal Cutting
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 13--WELD QUALITY
Introduction
Defining Weld Quality
Overview of Weld Discontinuities
Discontinuities Associated with Fusion Welding
Discontinuities Associated with Resistance Welding
Discontinuities Associated with the Solid-State Welding Processes
Discontinuities in Brazed and Soldered Joints
Significance of Weld Discontinuities
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 14--WELDING INSPECTION AND NONDESTRUCTIVE EXAMINATION
Introduction
Personnel Qualifications
The Inspection Plan
Nondestructive Examination
Metallographic Examination Methods
Inspection of Brazed and Soldered Joints
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 15--QUALIFICATION AND CERTIFICATION
Introduction
Welding and Brazing Procedure Specifications
Qualification of Welding and Brazing Procedures
Performance Qualification
Standardization of Qualification Requirements
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 16--CODES AND OTHER STANDARDS
Introduction
Types of Regulatory Documents
Standards-Developing Organizations and Welding-Related Publications
Guidelines for Participating in International Standards Activities
Conclusion
Supplementary Reading List

CHAPTER 17--SAFE PRACTICES
Introduction
Safety Management
Protection of the Work Area
Personal Protective Equipment
Protection against Fumes and Gases
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases
Protection against Electromagnetic Radiation
Electrical Safety
Fire Prevention
Explosion Prevention
Process-Specific Safety Considerations
Safety in Robotic Operations
Conclusion
Bibliography
Supplementary Reading List

APPENDIX A--TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
APPENDIX B--METRIC PRACTICE GUIDE FOR THE WELDING INDUSTRY

Here is the BOK for the Fundamentals.
PART A: FUNDAMENTALS  (CWI and CWE)
Subject  Percentage
Welding Processes  10%- Chapter 1
Heat Control & Metallurgy (carbon and low-alloy steel)  6% Chapter 2,3,4
Weld Examination  9% Chapter14
Welding Performance  9% Chapter 15
Definitions and Terminology  12% Appendix A
Symbols - Welding and NDE  10% Chapter 8
Test Methods - NDE  8% Chapter 6, 13, 14
Reports and Records  6% Various
Duties and Responsibilities  4%
Safety  5%- Chapter 17
Destructive Tests  4%-Chapter 6
Cutting  3% Chapter 1
Brazing  2% Chapter 1
Soldering  1% Chapter 1

Of course if you can get ALL of the referenced books, then do it. I imagine with the online prep course there is a pretty good amount of material provided. The Welding Handbook is what I suggest as a learning tool more than a prep for a test tool.

If all of your experience is as an operator and not welding related, then it may take a few different methods to soak it all in.  If you already have some core knowledge based upon prior study/interests then it may be no problem and the courses may be all you need. BUT you can never go wrong getting welding books.

Gerald Austin

Is it possible that this "idea" is taken from the prequalified procedure limitations of D1.1 ? My 2010 is at the office but the single pass layer thickness I am pretty sure is limited to 1/4" (Slightly over the distance for theoretical face to root of 5/16" fillet weld).

However as a procedure variable outside the scope of D1.1 prequalified, no such requirement exists that I am aware of (And that does not mean it does not exist) But in my limited experience that is not where limits exist for many other codes.  Is that a good idea YES IT IS. I firmly believe that one of the leading causes of fusion related discontinuities is the thickness of the puddle and where the arc falls in that puddle.

I understand the requirement in that context. I just do not understand a "blanket statement" based upon the text you reference.  The 1st "Welding Supervisor" that brings that one to my attention as a criteria for rejection will definitely be queried as to a "REAL" acceptance criteria that binds that requirement. If he/she refers to the CMWS then I will probably follow up with something more in tune with the actual requirements related to the project.

There are just SO MANY welding wives tales that get generated from valid requirements that apply to a particular situation, Those requirements then become accepted as facts and many never question  the context of when they apply. Who is to doubt the word of a "Certified" person. Thinks  that happen in D1.1 Preq don't apply to qualified which don't apply to sec IX blah, blah blah.

Again, shop requirements, individual company requirements are those of the shop or company. Good/Bad or otherwise, they are what they are. Actual acceptance criteria is what it is. Neither one by itself make for a quality program.

Have a good day.

Gerald

ALSO, I ran into some of your HR people at a recent conference, they spoke very highly of you. I told them what I thought about you based on what I've seen here.

I'll have to find one of them and check it out. There may be tons of stuff I have been missing out on. :).  I'm excited.

Tell me more about WHY this is true ? I have not seen the CM for welding supervisors but I have made quite a few welds on various structures with groove welds with individual passes larger than a 5/16" fillet weld equivalent size. Many of said structures and vessels still in service.

And again, I may be missing something in the context of this conversation. Just wondering if another welding wives tail is going to start from the highly peer reviewed reference you mention. Again, I understand company requirements, heat input blah, blah.. but does that book really say that ?

Gerald

If those were pushed then I should send you a Lobster too. Maybe just a few Tenn Mudbugs. I don't doubt you are telling me the truth but I have fought this on MANY welder tests that continued to fail.

Of course I may be completely lost as I received a poster from the blue company a week or two ago that says amperage goes down as wire feed speed goes up. So I am throwing my knowledge out the window.

Gerald

After industry gets involved then all of the shops with regular non-engieered for safety welding equipment are burdened with being non-compliant or upgrading the equipment. Sounds like a good deal for the equipment manufacturers.

For some companies the cost to implement "engineering controls" is nothing. They just buy new $10000.00 power sources and wire feeders. What if we all decided that smoke, EMF, repetitive strain, are all things that need to be eliminated. Though the risk is small probably based on the number of welders, it is still a risk. EVERYTHING can be engineered out. The level at which it becomes a problem for an organization is more related to the organization than it is to the problem.

How many companies have installed fume extracting Mig Guns to limit welders exposure to ozone? Not many. But how many have strict and strongly enforced policies for the lifesaving safety glasses ?

Just some of my thoughts.

As I said before, I'm all for safety. I also believe all accidents could have been prevented but also believe they NEVER will be. I gotta worry about mine 1st, others 2nd.

Awareness, A Safety Culture that promotes Employee input on hazard elimination, Management that supports safety for safety and not compliance, and training to support it all.

Gerald

I may be looking at this the wrong way. I too am very concerned with safety. But the idea of "engineering out" hazards can really get into some tricky places. 

When engineering is not practical, protective measures are completely fine. PPE to protect the individuals skin from hot/sharp wire is the same PPE that is used to protect the individual from molten sparks. If the engineering controls are workable, then by all means do them. But Could the safety Nazis then also decide its better to use a certain transfer mode, process etc.. just because it makes less sparks?

I truly think PPE and Training for awareness are key. Lets not assume all welders must have engineering controls. When I have taught "Welding Safety" in the past I have tried to stress the safety hazards that are inherent to that process.

Gerald

I am not understanding.

If the WPS says ER70S-6 then that is what must be used. If the WPS says A Number 1, then that is what must be used . If the contractor listed ER70S-6 in the PQR and the WPS says Er70S-6 then there is no problem. As long as they are using ER70S-6. If an electrode does not have an A-number (70S-6) then that is OK.

I apologize for not being sure on what you are asking.

Gerald

Good stuff Henry. I actually used a Harbor Freight bender for Aluminum bend test. Worked REAL well for $99.00.

They are referring to what I have always called a "hot work area".  I haven't started any SENSE classes yet but will be using the NCCER books. I hope to get these instead.http://www.cengagebrain.com/shop/isbn/9781435427884.

Have a good day

Gerald

What is this from?

With consumable insert joints utilizing an Inverted T style the included angle is typically greater than that used on conventional open root joints. 80 degrees+.  As the joints get tighter, pulling the insert is a little harder.

CS, SS all pull well in my opinion. As you move into Inconel, NiCU, and CuNi, things get more difficult.  I shouldn't say it around these other ex navy guys but on seawater systems, I have pulled more than one insert out of a joint and open rooted it due to the difficulty precleanining the inside of the pipe to remove the seawater caused residue. Glad I did, it was helpful when I got to the "Real World" and realized nobody had a clue what an insert was.

http://www.weldingdata.com/New_Folder/misc/consuminsert.html is a page I made to answer a question a few years ago but it only shows a representation of an insert. Doesn't really say much.

Gerald

I worked for the following

QBEK Inspection-Now owned by KBR. I averaged 20 hrs per week with them. They are looking to replace some people retiring.

Footbridge Staffing was good to me. Joe Squires is a contact 877-807-8400. They aren't doing anything today but like all headhunters, they will take you info.

SQA Services has called me a few times. I did some work for them 10 years ago (Including shopping for batteries) and a year or two ago. Seemed like a pretty professional outfit.

I thought I had posted t his earlier but guess my mind is going.

A filler metal that meets the requirements of the applicable AWS Classification will have specified "Nominal Chemical Composition" values stated within the specification.

You can lookup some of the ASME Interpretations on the subject. Here is one.

IX-83-46

Question (1):  If a particular submerged-arc
wire/flux combination does not conform to an SFA
specification classification, may one use that
wire/flux combination, and by what paragraph?

Reply (1):  Yes, by the provisions of QW-404.5
which requires an A-Number or the nominal chemical
composition of the weld deposit to be stated.
This composition may also be designated by the
manufacturer's trade designation, AWS
classification, or established procurement
documents.

Anyone can certify anyone to do anything. The validity of the certification is based upon the controls put in place by the organization certifying. The suitability of the controls put in place are validated by the performance of the individuals who have certified in accordance with that system.

A certified welding inspector is not a trademarked term as far as I know. An American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector is.

If a certifying organizations system is auditable and suitable for the tasks/abilities being certified, then what is to say they are not efficient.

I have seen some things that make me go "hmmmm" when dealing with individuals who have certified in accordance with one of the largest welding inspector certification schemes in the world!

Just of course my opinion and not based upon me being "certified" to offer up opinions on such matters.

I think websters should add the following definition to the term certified. "One of the most abused terms in the welding industry usually signifying someone has done something witnessed or reviewed by somebody, usually for some amount of money, supported by some system deemed valid by some people"

Have a great day.

Gerald Austin

I have to second the statement "...beyond compare..." . The content, peer review, and desire to share is unmatched in ANY other welding related forum.

I have piddled with other online resources but really feel this is the one where the people who are truly interested in advancing the art and science of welding gather.

Gerald

I created a database years ago for inspection. Every inspection was entered. If I am tracking multiple Customers>Projects>PO>Line Items>Inspections I will ALWAYS want hard data. I can lookup today for every inspection I performed with the word "overlap" on an item to a specific customer, with a given ship date and provide a list in a few seconds. With pictures.

However, that extent may not be desired by everyone. When I did this, tablets and phones did not have this capability so I would either carry a notepad and transpose data at my next visit to the office OR bring my laptop in the shop.

I enter almost everthing in a database that I would ever want to lookup again.

There are plenty of other methods utilizing technology now too. Cameras with voice notes for images, ease of recording video etc.

It really gets down to your preferences and comfort with technology. I do strongly suggest archiving paper documents electronically. Flash drives are cheap and extremely tough. I have swam with and washed and dried more than one or two.

Good Stuff. I saw the article I think that went along with the presentation at http://www.lbyd.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Best-Intentions-by-Robert-Whyte.pdf

Gerald

You may be right. I do think it will reduce the amount of penetration and I agree there is a point where "too little heat is too much heat". I have welded a few thin pieces with Argon and DCRP and the penetration was definitely limited.

If your material is thin, try adjusting your AC balance to Max Cleaning (+) . This may minimize the overheating of the puddle. In addition, if you are welding on a small piece of material, remember that once it gets hot, it melts quickly. Cooling your pieces to the same temp before welding each practice bead will help maintain consistent conditions for each bead until you begin to get "an eye" for what is happening in the puddle. The lack of ripples indicate the puddle is staying molten long and cooling down slowly. Try speeding up.

If your base metal is thinner or near the thickness of the filler metal things can be a little more difficult. Try the same settings on a thicker piece.

Gerald

That was my 1st thought.

Thanks to all for the info.

Looks like the 2 suppliers here in town won't sell cylinders outright. The largest cylinder they will refill that is customer owned is an 80. I think they have figured out that it's better to rent items out that essentially last forever.

Gerald

All of my machines are 64 bit so I don't even use these.  I have installed it in quite a few others with no issue.

An equal leg fillet weld will normally have a theoretical throat  .707*Leg Size .

However that is something designers decide. Not all welds are designed to be or need to be "Full Strength".

In some countries,  the fillet weld size is referring to the throat. That is NOT the case with AWS Welding Symbols.

Hope this helps

Gerald

Seems normal to me. If the weld sizes are specified by legs, then thats in the ball park. If specified by min throat it seems a bit much but still fine. The designer was the designer so I would check with him/her 1st.

If you are working with something that is sensitive to some overwelding you may need some face to face type help.

I only tried from one supplier when I was in Mississippi and they indicated they only rented bottles and sold gas. It was one of the ones you mentioned but I will check it out here.

Thanks

Gerald

So what is a good source for buying bottles outright ? Not sure about the vendor up here but that same vendor in Mississippi indicated they didn't sell them.

Never by an AI Agency and to be honest I have seen a wide variety of AI's between organizations. However that was 10+ years ago so maybe there is more consistency in training now I think. You absolutely cannot go wrong with Walt Sperko's class as a source to get you up an running in both basic and advance topics.

https://www.asme.org/products/courses/bpv-code-section-ix-welding-brazing-fusing

Other courses may be fine too.

Gerald