Figure 7-38.—Butt joint welding in the vertical position. slightly at the surface of plate G. Try not to undercut either of the plates or to allow the molten metal to overlap at the edges of the weave. Lap joints on heavier plate may require more than one bead. If it does, clean the initial bead thoroughly and place all subsequent beads as shown in figure 7-37, view F.  The  precautions  to  ensure  good  fusion  and  uniform weld deposits that was previously outlined for tee joints also apply to lap joints. BUTT JOINTS.— Prepare the plates used in verti- cal welding identically to those prepared for welding in the flat position. To obtain good fusion and penetration with no undercutting, you should hold a short arc and the motion of the arc should be carefully controlled. Butt joints on beveled plates 1/4 inch thick can be welded in one pass by using a triangular weave motion, as shown in figure 7-38, view A. Welds made on 1/2-inch plate or heavier should be done in several passes, as shown in figure 7-38, view B. Deposit the last pass with a semicircular weaving mo- tion with a slight “whip-up” and pause of the electrode at the edge of the bead. This produces a good cover pass with no undercutting. Welds made on plates with a backup strip should be done in the same manner. E-7018  Electrode  Welding  Technique The previously described vertical welding tech- niques generally cover all types of electrodes; however, you  should  modify  the  procedure  slightly  when  using E-7018  electrodes. When  vertical  down  welding,  you  should  drag  the electrode lightly using a very short arc. Refrain from using a long arc since the weld depends on the molten slag for shielding. Small weaves and stringer beads are preferred  to  wide  weave  passes.  Use  higher  amperage with ac than with dc. Point the electrode straight into the joint and tip it forward only a few degrees in the direc- tion  of  travel. On vertical up welding, a triangular weave motion produces the best results. Do not use a whipping motion or remove the electrode from the molten puddle. Point the electrode straight into the joint and slightly upward in order to allow the arc force to help control the puddle. Adjust the amperage in the lower level of the recom- mended  range. OVERHEAD-POSITION   WELDING Overhead  welding  is  the  most  difficult  position  in welding. Not only do you have to contend with the force of gravity but the majority of the time you also have to assume an awkward stance. Nevertheless, with practice it is possible to make welds equal to those made in the other  positions. Current Settings and Electrode Movement To retain complete control of the molten puddle, use a very short arc and reduce the amperage as recom- mended. As in the vertical position of welding, gravity causes the molten metal to drop or sag from the plate. When too long an arc is held, the transfer of metal from the electrode to the base metal becomes increasingly difficult, and the chances of large globules of molten metal dropping from the electrode increase. When you routinely shorten and lengthen the arc, the dropping of molten metal can be prevented; however, you will defeat your purpose should you carry too large a pool of molten metal in the weld. One of the problems encountered in overhead weld- ing is the weight of the cable. To reduce arm and wrist fatigue, drape the cable over your shoulder when weld- ing in the standing position. When sitting, place the 7-21