View Poll Results: To see or not to see?
Smooth joints
13
32.50%
Visible welds
27
67.50%
Voters: 40. You may not vote on this poll
Your Preference on Welds
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
I like seeing a nice weld. especially if it's polished stainless or aluminum and the weld looks like a row of nickels. But I also like seeing mechanical linkages, safety wired bolts and old cloth covered wiring.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 132
From: Deep South, Louisiana
I have to completely disagree with such a blanket statement. The weld should not just be a surface weld to begin with and if it is, then what you said is correct. However, if the joint was properly beveled then ground smooth, you have lost nothing other than the surface appearance of the weld.
My question was more about aesthetics than quality of a weld, since the quality is impossible to truly judge without an x-ray.
I guess I am just one welder (certified in 1987) that has never liked seeing a weld on a finished product, such as handlebars. When I learned my instructor always told us if your weld cannot withstand being ground smooth, it will not withstand the test of time.
My question was more about aesthetics than quality of a weld, since the quality is impossible to truly judge without an x-ray.
I guess I am just one welder (certified in 1987) that has never liked seeing a weld on a finished product, such as handlebars. When I learned my instructor always told us if your weld cannot withstand being ground smooth, it will not withstand the test of time.
True, but if I have my weld in the bevel and into the metal with good penetration I feel it it stronger to leave the bead and not grind down to make flush. And I do grind down some times to make pretty and hide a weld but I also like to see my bead.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 43
From: Upstate NY
IMHO, to see or not to see a weld depends where it is on the vehicle/ structure. If a weld looks shitty, chances are the person who welded it is lacking a bit of skill (or in a big hurry) and the weld may be suspect in strength. A weld that has been finished smooth is not as strong as one left alone. Finished welds are generally on areas that have little or no stress. If there is a lot of stress on the joint, then I would prefer it be left alone. ( My History: been welding steel, aluminum and stainless steel for over 25 years.)
I could not answer your poll not knowing location of weld.
Cheers!
I could not answer your poll not knowing location of weld.
Cheers!
Club Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 18,776
Likes: 42
From: Walker WV by way of NEW YORK CITY
Weld should be as strong or stronger than the parent material
Weld breaks in a destructive test-----NFG
Parent material breaks from weld......NFG
Smooth bend and radius of weld and parent material.....Pass
Weld breaks in a destructive test-----NFG
Parent material breaks from weld......NFG
Smooth bend and radius of weld and parent material.....Pass
LOSER
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,719
Likes: 4
From: Williamston, NC
Been welding all my life. I agree with what your saying about the beveled edges and getting good penetration. That being said I have never tig welded. Maybe one day I will buy one for my shop but for now I have a mig and a stick. I think it all depends on what the part is and where it is. I have no problem seeing a weld but as others have said it is something I do as well and appreciate seeing them.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 537
Likes: 0
From: Norman,OK/Tornado alley
i have been a code certified iso 9000 xxx high pressure pipe welder for about 30 years.i am now a high pressure pipe inspector/Xray tech.
unless the weld is 100% meaning from the flush of the root to the flush of the exterior it isnt good enough(in tubing and pipe applications and most structural).when you make the weld then grind/smooth it all off what do you have? not enough of a weld (strengh). unless its maybe thin sheet metal etc. i can tell by sight if a weld is proper enough or not. i can tell you though that a pretty weld isnt always a good weld although visibility is a part of the code process.
in my many years of code welding for oil and gas companies and working with and for many Xray techs and inspectors most would prefer a good quality weld that they can see. most people who arent great welders (no disrespect to anyone) would rather see a smooth weld that has been grinded/smoothed off.
lastly,if the weld is nice and pretty and done properly via code standards why in the hell would you want to grind it off? then you have all the grind marks and too much time into the weld process.
they say welders are a dime a dozen,but good welders are not.
unless the weld is 100% meaning from the flush of the root to the flush of the exterior it isnt good enough(in tubing and pipe applications and most structural).when you make the weld then grind/smooth it all off what do you have? not enough of a weld (strengh). unless its maybe thin sheet metal etc. i can tell by sight if a weld is proper enough or not. i can tell you though that a pretty weld isnt always a good weld although visibility is a part of the code process.
in my many years of code welding for oil and gas companies and working with and for many Xray techs and inspectors most would prefer a good quality weld that they can see. most people who arent great welders (no disrespect to anyone) would rather see a smooth weld that has been grinded/smoothed off.
lastly,if the weld is nice and pretty and done properly via code standards why in the hell would you want to grind it off? then you have all the grind marks and too much time into the weld process.
they say welders are a dime a dozen,but good welders are not.
Last edited by Mercyfulfate; Dec 16, 2012 at 12:09 PM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,470
Likes: 4
From: on the road
I had a kid who worked for me that could lay down a perfect looking bead that you could pull of with a pair of pliers -------------------I dont know how he did it.I would set the welder and run one hand it to him and it was like no penetration period.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 9,206
Likes: 372
From: Central Illinois, Between I-80 and I-74
My question was more about aesthetics than quality of a weld, since the quality is impossible to truly judge without an x-ray.
When I learned my instructor always told us if your weld cannot withstand being ground smooth, it will not withstand the test of time.
When I learned my instructor always told us if your weld cannot withstand being ground smooth, it will not withstand the test of time.
I much prefer welds that withstand the test of time.