Hey, Floyd here, so I'm 19 and just finished my 8 month course for my C ticket (Level 1,2 under new ITA program, B.C, Canada).
Really focused on FCAW throughout school so I took my ALL POSITIONS FCAW CWB plate tests, and passed them all (1gf, 2gf, 3gf, 4gf)
After getting my ticket and plate qualifications, I got a job at an agriculture equipment mfg. shop as a parts guy, just to start off somewhere and get my hours for my next level, I'm very confident in my ability and have the dedication
I work with a lot of great welders and I've asked a lot of them and they've all given my different answers, so this is what I'm wondering:
1. Most guys there push their flux core, I was taught you are NEVER supposed to push, but is it okay as long as you stay ahead of your puddle? I feel like slag gets all trapped underneath, they just say it gets burned out so nbd. now nothing is structural so i don't know how big of a deal it is, but I don't want to put down bad welds and get into that habbit. so should i always keep pulling or is pushing okay?
2. Also my machine is running 1/16'' wire, and i weld on about 1/4 material, I've asked for smaller machine but no can do, a problem I have with this is burn through, so i'm thinking slight manipulation and faster welding speeds, or either pushing it for faster welding speeds but confused as stated above. and when i start my bead, say on a 2F, theres that little crevice in the corner where a little dink of slag gets trapped, a guy said to pull back to where you start and let it pool, but on thin material burn through is a prob.
3. Anyone with all positions FCAW know good places to branch off to or where to go from here (ie: Seaspan etc.)
Thank you for all your help sorry there's alot of info for such little problems.