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This is a neat trick if you are'nt following a blueprint,code or WPS, and the customer or the company you're working for does'nt mind.
However, you might want to check with either the customer or your place of employment before simply using this kind of technique because, if you have to follow a drawing detail that does'nt specify this technique then, you may be causing more harm than good.
The base metal properties change when bending the tabs, such as grains being "stretched" in the area of the metal that's bent.
This could cause a different result in the area adjacent to the weld enough to actually weaken the base material. This is just one example so, the best suggestion would be to check with the person responsible for quality assurance or welding engineer if you work for a company before you try this technique.
The same goes if you are self-employed, and are producing these joints for a customer because, if the customer does'nt approve of this method of tacking the joints together, You will have a PROBLEM...
Lawrence seems to have good suggestions so, I'll only add that it is very important to make sure that the base metal surface, filler metal, and tungsten be clean!!!
If your arc is "wandering" , and changing it's color then either the base metal, filler metal, or the tungsten may be contaminated. Also, you want to check the gas cup and your tungsten stickout because, if you have the incorrect size cup then, you're creating more turbulence or insufficient gas shielding even if the flow rate is correct.
The tungsten stickout is crucial too because, if you have too much, then more of your tungsten is exposed to the atmosphere, therefore increasing the chance of contamination. If your tungsten is'nt "extended" enough from the gas cup then, your arc has a tendency to "wander" or not enough current is being transferred to the base material causing the "lumps of gum" result.
You might want to make sure that you're using the correct tungsten diameter and grade of Wolfram!
Finally, if you are using filler metal then, feeding the filler into the joint before you've established a puddle might be the cause of the "lumps",and if you're feeding the filler into the middle of the puddle then, changing the position of the filler to the "leading" edge of the puddle will help you produce a uniform bead. Most important is not to overfeed filler into the puddle!!! If you still have this problem after considering all of these suggestions then, check the power source for the appropriate settings such as AC, DCSP, polarity, High Frequency continuous, etc., and if you're still getting the same results then, check your lenses on your welding helmet to see if there is anything that may be causing an obstruction or distortion in your vision when viewing the arc.
In other words, check everything!!!
I hope this helps!
Respectfully,
SSBN727 Run Silent - Run Deep!!!