WM Blitz Video #13 Aerospace Weld Test Practice 2g .041" Group 1

AWS D17.1 is the specification for fusion welding for aerospace and aviation applications.

Many aerospace companies choose to strictly use a 1g flat position test because they have parts positioners and manipulators that can put every weld flat.

Other companies use a 2g and 3g test to provide a wider range of qualifications.

This page is about practicing in the 2g position using plain cold rolled steel before moving on to more expensive metals like 17-7ph stainless, or Inconel 718.

Cold rolled steel provides good practice, is readily available, and its cheap.

I recommend something in the .040" (1mm) thickness range at first.

Once you are consistently making good visually acceptable welds on .040", try going thinner to around .030"

This simple practice will go a long way in teaching you about how to set up the test pieces in the fixture, how much backing gas to use, amperage needed, size filler wire that works best, and a whole lot of other little details.

I used a ceramic jazzy10 cup for this weld and I think its a great choice for aerospace weld tests on carbon and low alloy, iron based stainless steels, nickel alloys, and cobalt based alloys.