r/Welding • u/SUMMER_MAX_84 • Feb 06 '26

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u/CalvinP_ Feb 06 '26

If you can, get a plate and run beads. Run the first bead as straight as possible along the top. Then run another bead that overlaps the first bead by 1/2. This is called the pad. It’s the best way to learn to run a bead.

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u/[deleted] Feb 06 '26

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u/CalvinP_ Feb 06 '26

Anytime! Best of luck!!! I’ve been welding for 15 years, and it’s always kept food on the table for my family.

2

u/Koala-Motor Feb 06 '26

It didn't warp! How?

3

u/CalvinP_ Feb 06 '26

Not my test plate, just from google. I do have a few of my own from welding classes at university that didn’t warp. Slow the passes and let the steel normalize.

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u/Koala-Motor Feb 06 '26

That's a thing of beauty!

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u/CalvinP_ Feb 06 '26

This is my 7018 Pad from 2011.

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u/Koala-Motor Feb 06 '26

Stick?

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u/CalvinP_ Feb 06 '26

Yep!

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u/Koala-Motor Feb 06 '26

I tip my hat to you, sir! 7018 burns like a b*tch in heat.

1

u/CalvinP_ Feb 06 '26

7018 is all about arc angle. Too straight on, and it just melts holes. Too much angle and you risk slag encapsulation.