Practicing welding pipe root-runs in the "2G" position (the pipe is vertical so its end-to-end butt-weld is horizontal)
The pipe is 140mm OD (outside diameter) and 10mm wall-thickness. The hopelessly wavy plasma cut is where tried slicing between two previous [slice-prep-weld]'s.
Anyway, still tried root-welding it with Basic root welding rods - 7016 "Filarc 56S's" - at around 68A DCEN.
Then I've "hot-passed" it with a 2.5dia 7018 at 90A DCEP. Controllable but plenty of wash-in with thin fluid layer from fast travel in inclined-oval weave - and ground flat.
Next - Cellulosic 2G root.
(14May2010 18May2010, Richard Smith)