First Test Piece

The pad weld was to get used to the Manual Metal Arc (MMA) technique and after 3 layers I was getting quite good. A clear sign of a good weld is whats called a scorpion tail, this is when the slag lifts off the weld as it cools and basically removes itself. Getting a scorpion tail is immensely satisfying and as I started my 4th layer I tried to get the biggest tail I could, this is one of my best.

After finishing the final 4th layer I moved onto the first test piece. Unlike the pad weld, which was on 10mm mild steel, the test piece would be on 5mm. A lap weld in the vertical/horizontal position with just one fillet of weld to join them. This is a side view of the lap weld.

After finishing the weld it is then tested by a destruction test to see how deep the weld goes and how it will break. A section is cut out of the middle and them the weld is pulled apart, it will then either pass or fail a visual inspection of how the weld broke. If passed all the pieces are then tacked back together ready for the college assessor to randomly pick out and inspect. If it fails then you go back and try again after figuring out what you did wrong before. 

My first test piece passed and hopefully I'll start on my second next week.