2
6.
Weld according to the following procedure in order to minimize cracking
problems:
a. Use the smallest
possible electrode diameter at the lowest possible amperage to minimize the heat
effect of welding
penetration.
b.
Never weld tool steels at room temperature. Preheat and postheat
temperatures must be maintained throughout
the welding cycle.
c.
Anneal (soften) the base metal wherever possible.
d. All electrodes
must be dry. All base metal surfaces must be free of moisture, oil or drawing
compounds.
e. Use the back step
or skip weld technique especially when repairing cutting edges of draw rings,
extrusion dies
or circular shaped dies. These methods will permit even distribution of heat on
parts being welded.
f.
Lightly peen each bead while red hot. Peening should definitely
be done at least once before an entire
electrode has
been deposited.
g.
Do not weave. Use stringer passes only. Keep bead width no more
than one and one half times the diameter
of the electrode.
h.
Check temperature frequently and stay within the specified range
throughout welding procedure.
i.
Do not interrupt welding until job is finished.
j. When welding
parts or tools and dies that are in the hardened condition, do not heat beyond
the maximum temperature
of the “Draw Range” to avoid loss of hardness in the parent metal.
7. Avoid deep end craters
by moving the electrode back over weld puddle before interrupting arc.
8. Weld in an upward direction
from the lower to the higher level of the piece to be welded.
9. After welding, cool
tool in still air to 210°F (99°C) and temper immediately. Do not allow
tool to cool to room temperature
before tempering.
