At the end... Now what?

[driver444]

I've been making some multi-pass welds, joining 1/2"x2" steel flat stock together, welding from only one side. My question is, what is the proper way to "end" the bead at the edge of the metal without losing the thickness at the edge?

One thing I tried, (but not sure if it's right) is that I welded almost to the edge, and paused for a while, until the puddle made it to the edge. That seemed to help. Just wondering what the "proper" technique is.

Thanks

[moya034]

One thing I tried, (but not sure if it's right) is that I welded almost to the edge, and paused for a while, until the puddle made it to the edge.

Yes that is correct. What also will help is as you approach the edge of the steel, start straightening the electrode to 90 degrees, then when you get to the end, angle your electrode 10-15 degrees in the opposite direction of travel.

If you are welding on thinner steel, sometimes it's a good idea to let the it cool down a little bit, clean up the slag, then come back in to fill the crater in.

[driver444]

OK, so basically you can travel right to the end, the by tipping the electrode straight up, and then reversing it, you're actually just drawing the puddle back away from the edge. I got it, that makes sense.

About that "FREE MARKET CAPITALISM" thing, I'm totally with ya, so let's enjoy it for the next week, you won't see it again.