Weld A Set Stringer

A welding Undergraduate or a know stuff always uses Correct safety equipment.

Use the diagram on the welder for heat settings. Normally, stringer beads are made on thick material, so you can set the welder heat up quite a bit without burning through the steel. The thinner the material, the less heat you will need. They can be done with both a wire feed welder and a stick welder, although it is a stick-weld term. It takes some practice, but good stringer welds can be made in a very short time.

Instructions

1. Set the welder heat a little higher than you usually might with the same welder on the same material. The key to a flat stringer is a lot of heat. The more heat you apply, the deeper the weld goes, which will cause it to sink into the material instead of stick out on top.A stringer weld is made on a flat piece of steel, and does not weld anything together. A stringer weld is completely straight, in the middle of a piece of steel. It is a practice weld, and one of the first kind we learn do in a welding class. It is different with each welder, so be sure you check the diagram.

2. Put on your safety equipment. Welding should never be attempted without a regulation welding hood and gloves. Welding produces a lot of heat and harmful ultraviolet rays, which can damage skin and eyes in seconds. Also recommended are jeans and a leather-sleeved welding jacket. Attach the ground clamp to the work that will be welded on. Make sure the steel is clean and free of oils and rust.

3. Run the stringer bead. If you are using a stick welder, strike the arc by touching the electrode to the steel and then slowly drag it in a straight line. If you are using a MIG welder with either flux core or solid steel wire, pull the trigger on the gun and slowly drag it in a straight line with the tip about 1/4 inch from the surface of the steel. Do this for 6 inches or so and then inspect your stringer. If it is too high for your liking, apply a little more heat or move the gun slower, or both. Keep adjusting in that direction until you get the stringer you want.