5/16 Horizontal fillet FCAW

[JBPW]

thread725-316704
Just commenting on how misunderstood the 5/16" Horizontal fillet weld is with FCAW. For years I've been surrounded by detailers and engineers who call out 5/16" fillet welds just because they think you can call for an inspector after the welds are done saving the customer money. Many shops think this is an easy weld but most are using undersize wire in shop and field and weaving till no end to achieve a 5/16" fillet. Many CWI's in my area never even gauge these welds. I've also seen many times in the field where contractors are not upsizing the welds due to poor fitup I.E. gaps over 1/16", skewed joints and radius like on the edge of hot rolled angle described in the other thread. If you have to upsize the welds for these reasons then you would be required to have a weld inspector present at all times. I also find the manufacturers recommended parameters are not specific to joint details, position and material thickness leaving welders to guess the proper settings. I welcome any input,
Thanks
John

 

[pipewelder1999]

I agree. This really comes to be noticed when qualifying welders with the standard fillet weld test. I have rejected more welder qualification tests on this than any other. Its a big puddle to carry with .045" wire and get penetration at the root. Or at least with t-1 wire

Gerald Austin
Iuka, Mississippi

http://www.weldingdata.com