Pipe welding can be much easier if you follow two rules:
- Always set up your machine correctly.
- Always make yourself as comfortable as possible.
Setting up your machine correctly is a rule you should never deviate from. Especially when it comes to welding pipes, it’s an absolute must! Pipe welding requires setting your machine to weld in any position without changing any settings. For Stick and TIG welding, you can always change the heat a bit with the length of the arc. For example, if you are welding on the bottom of the pipe and need more heat, you can go a little longer arc. This would increase the heat and spread the solder better. Vertical areas could have a short arc to lower the heat a bit. In general, you want the welder to operate in a setting that allows you to weld in any position without changing amperage or voltage.
Comfort is what separates an experienced welder from a novice. Unfortunately for both the professional and the novice, everyone will inevitably have to weld pipes in many difficult positions. The pipes can be right up against a wall, floor, or ceiling. They could be high up and many times underground. To weld pipe, you have to be creative in how you position yourself. In many cases, you need to find what is available to make the most of the situation. The easiest way to get comfortable is to lean on the pipe. It gives your body and hands a stable platform to focus on welding technique. Sometimes objects that make a weld difficult can be used to your advantage. For example, if the pipe to be welded is close to another pipe, it can be used as a place to stand.
In the end, you want to set up your machine correctly and find a comfortable position. Once you have these two key elements, all you need to do is focus on your welding technique.
