I am having a hard time laying down a good open butt root. I started using a 1/8 6010 rod, 1/8 gap and a little less than 1/8 and sometimes alot less that 1/8 landing. For one thing I have donated rods and I cant keep them going, they fizzle out and get stuck, so I started using my 6011 rods they are 3/32, I use a 3/32 gap and 3/32 landing. I dont know if Im traveling to far ahead of the pool and letting it cool so I can fill in. The position is flat, I have the rod at 90 degrees and use a whipping motion. Could it be Im not pushing the rod far enough in or what. And the ones I do complete when I bend test them the cap is fine, but the root always has a couple inclusions mostly slag. I know im rambeling but the most important thing Im having trouble with 1/8 6010 open root pass.
Buy some new rods and try them before You pull all Your hair out. If the run the same, then work on machine settings & rod manipulation.
You didn't tell us the material thickness, but besides new electrodes I would suggest larger (3/32 probably a little small) and turn the amperage up. Many try running the root way too cool.
Have a Great Day, Brent
What is the machine your welding with? Describe where you have the main setting and the fine adustment?
Jim
Sjs
If you are testing with E6010 than thats what you need to practice with.. Even if it costs some cash to go buy some.
The flux coating on the 6011 is thicker than the 6010's and this will make a difference on your root openings. 6010 also digs a bit deeper.
If your machine has a "dig" adjustment knob you may want to turn this toward the maximum value for the root pass.. This adjustment will provide a little extra punch of current when your arc voltage is low (caused by the short arc necessary in open root welding) This little extra punch is designed to keep your rod from sticking when it gets close or into contact with the base metal. It's a little counter intuitive for beginners, but when you plunge the electrode into the root gap you will cool the puddle and if you pull the electrode out of the gap, the long arc will increase the size of the puddle.
For the most part open root butt joints are accomplished with the electrode plunged into the groove.. If you lift the electrode above the level of the groove the longer arc will most likely punch a hole in your weld puddle that will be very difficult to recover..
Good explanation Lawrence..!!!
RC
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