SMAW

Pipe Welding
Techniques
 Positions
• 1G • 1F
• 2G • 2F
• 5G • 2FR
• 6G • 4F
• 5F
 1G Position

Pipe rotated, Electrode is always at the top

Either a split bead or weave technique may be used
2G Position
Pipe Axis Vertical, Weld is
Horizontal, Pipe is considered in a
“fixed” position.
Always use a split bead technique
Always work from the bottom up.
 5G Position

Axis of the Pipe is Horizontal, The weld in vertical.

Progression may be up or down.
A weave bead is best used.
6G Position
Pipe axis is fixed in position
at a 45 degree incline. Thhe
position includes flat,
horizontal, vertical, and
overhead welds.
A split bead tecvhnique is
best used.
1F Position
Pipe is rotated. The pipe
axis is at a 45 degree
incline. Welding is to
occur at the top of the
pipe.
Split bead or weave
technique may be used.
2F Position

Fixed Position
Best to use a split
bead technique
 2FR Position

A split bead
technique is best
used.

Rotated
 4F Position

A split bead technique is best used

5F Position
Not Rotated. Progression
may be up or down.
Split beads or weaves can
be used on 5F-up welds,
split beads are best used
on 5F-down welds.
Fill Pass Cover Pass
Root Pass Hot Pass
Always work from the bottom up
when using the split bead technique
Always be careful not to create a tight
area where slag may get trapped under
the next weld.
It is better to weave slightly than to
leave a tight area.

Plan your sequence of beads!

Always work toward the smaller side
of the fillet. (It will be easier to get to)
Always be careful not to create a tight
area where slag may get trapped under
the next weld.
It is better to weave slightly than to
leave a tight area.

Plan your sequence of beads!

 Techniques
• Stringer (push, drag, or whip), or Weave
 Progression (vertical)
• Up
– deeper penetration
– Higher deposit rate (lb/hr)
– Use near 90 degree travel angle or slightly up
• Down
– faster (point to point)
– less penetration for thin metal
– less dilution
– Use steep drag angle
 Travel Speed
• Stay on the leading edge of the puddle
 Dimensions
• Reinforcement Height
– ASME flush - 1/16
– AWS flush 1/8
• Reinforcement Width
– 1/16” past bevel edge
• Smooth transition at weld toe (45o max)
Keyholeing
 Backing
• Metallic
– backing ring
– consumable inserts
 Welding grooves with Inserts
• Keep the root opening wide
• Make the root pass in one bead
• Avoid tight areas at the weld toes
 Welding a PJP groove
• Works great for limiting restrictions inside
pipes
• make up for loss of wall on reinforcement
 Root Openings
• Small will allow more amperage which will
in turn make welding smoother and easier,
as well as easier arc starts.
• Larger root openings will allow more
penetration.
 Root Faces
• Larger root faces will allow more amperage
which will in turn make welding smoother
and easier, as well as easier arc starts.
• Smaller root faces will allow more
penetration.
 Tacking, Tack Grinding
• 3/4” long
• feather both ends
• clean and flatten tops
• start on top, burn through before end
• run completely onto tack before stopping
• interpass grind lumps off before next pass
• stagger all starts and stops betoeen passes
• stagger all starts and stops between beads in a
single pass
• Don’t overgrind tacks.
 Butt Joint Preperation
(With Backing)

Root faces - 0
450 included angle
Remove all mill scales and rust
Tacking - not in groove
Tack away from coupon area.
Flush on backing
 Butt Joint Preperation
(Joints without backing)

600 included angle

Root faces
Tacking
Feather Tacks

1/16-1/8
 Open Root Technique
• Use root opening to allow increase in amperage
for smoother welding
• Whip backwards for penetration
• Whip forwards to reduce penetration
• Do Not Weave a root pass.
• Maintain a short arc gap
• Stay slightly in front of the puddle at all times.
Use the keyholing technique.
 Restarts
•Stagger all starts and stops or use runon, runoff tabs
•Feather all restarts & start on top, or start in front and
remelt
•Don’t restart in a coupon area.
•Also stagger all beads on a single pass.
•Use a longer arc length when starting a weld.
Compare interpass grinding
techniques vs. no interpass
grinding.
 Craters
• Fill craters by welding into the previous
weld start
• Use a short arc length to control heat.
Wagon Tracks
Watch these areas. Be sure to keep it melted into these spots.
 Electrode Angles
• Up Progression -
always point toward
center of Pipe
• Down Progression -
use a steep drag angle
 Arc Length
•Longer arc lengths = increased puddle heat, flatter welds,
deeper penetration
•Shorter arc lengths = less puddle heat, flatter welds, less
penetration
•Use arc length to control puddle size, penetration, and burn
through.
•Normal arc length is 1/16” - 1/8”
•Use a slightly longer arc length during a start or restart.
 Helpful Tips

•Clean your Welding Hood lens

•Drape the cable over your shoulder or knee
•Get Comfortable
•Watch the puddle, not the arc
•Concentrate on steady travel speed and arc length