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10 - 20º
10 - 20º
Torch angle and manipulation
There are two main techniques of torch orienta-
tion when welding cored wires, i.e. backhand, and
forehand welding.
Forehand welding
•The weld torch is pointed away from the weld
bead.
•Forehand welding gives a smooth weld bead
appearance, but reduces penetration.
•Mostly used for standing fillets and is recom-
mended for welding primed plates.(PB fillet
welds)
Forehand welding Backhand welding
Backhand welding
•The weld torch is pointed towards the weld
bead.
•Backhand welding gives better penetration and
normally produces a slightly more convex weld
bead. The risk for lack of penetration and slag
inclusions is reduced using backhand welding.
•Backhand welding is recommended for use
with rutile flux cored wires when maximum
penetration is required.
Recommended torch angle
For both forehand and backhand welding the gun
angle should be 10-20 degrees from the vertical.
Too large an angle can result in poor penetration,
unstable arc, porosity or poor impact toughness.