Tip for welding 6010 open root on pipe

by Mike Maracchini
(San Diego, CA)

I have found out after 35yrs of welding pipe that when you fit the pipe, use a broken porta-band blade for the perfect gap for the root. Usually a 3/32 gap will do when using 1/8", 6010. Just turn up your heat and "Keyhole" the root. If the keyhole gets to large, push the rod through the gap. This will stop the arc and prevent to large of a keyhole. Always grind (feather) starts and stops for a really good tie-in. Hope this helps!!