tig Pipe Welding Techniques

Positions
1G 2G 5G 6G 1F 2F 2FR 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 Root Pass

Cover 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 Dont 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

Dont 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