Posted by gmharris [71.105.201.160] on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 23:43:10 :
In Reply to: Welding poll posted by Desoto61 [72.218.217.138] on Monday, July 26, 2010 at 21:48:50 :
Weld one looks cold to me. When you lay down beads next to each other you are heating the metal plate as you go, so you won't get an accurate idea of the heat ranges.
I don't think laying a bead on a plate gives you a good indicator of weld quality. Try butting two pieces of metal together, then look for penetration without burn through on the other side.
Also, try holding the puddle for a while when you get to the end of the bead. This will fill the hollow spots you are getting at the ends of the beads.