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The Challenge of Welding Against Gravity
Vertical upwelding is one of the most demanding techniques in manual welding, requiring precise control of heat, travel speed, and puddle management. Unlike flat or horizontal welds, vertical upwelds fight gravity at every pass. The molten metal must be carefully guided upward without sagging, dripping, or undercutting. This technique is essential in structural steelwork, pressure vessels, and heavy equipment repair—where weld integrity must meet rigorous standards.
While vertical downwelds are easier to perform and often look cleaner, they lack the penetration and strength required for load-bearing applications. Certification tests for structural welders frequently include vertical up passes using 7018 electrodes, making this skill a benchmark of professional competence.
Terminology Notes
The most commonly used rod for vertical upwelds is the 7018, a low-hydrogen electrode known for its strength and ductility. For beginners, a 3/32" diameter rod is easier to control than 1/8", as it requires less amperage and produces a smaller puddle. DC reverse polarity is preferred, offering deeper penetration and smoother arc characteristics.
Recommended settings:
Success in vertical upwelding depends on consistent technique and ergonomic positioning. Welders should maintain a comfortable stance with clear visibility of the arc and puddle. A slight upward angle of the electrode—typically 10 to 15 degrees—helps direct the arc into the joint while supporting the shelf.
Weaving strategy:
In Montana, a rancher recalled his certification test in the 1980s, where vertical upwelds were bent into U-shapes to test integrity. Any cracks or pinholes disqualified the weld. He passed using 7018 rods on DC reverse polarity, despite struggling with vision. Years later, he still welds pipe using a mirror—a skill taught by an old hand who believed grinding was the mark of a good welder, not a bad one.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
Vertical upwelding is a test of patience, precision, and practice. It demands more than technical knowledge—it requires muscle memory, visual acuity, and rhythm. Whether repairing dump truck boxes or passing structural certifications, mastering this technique elevates a welder’s craft. In the world of fabrication, gravity is the adversary—and the puddle is the path.
Vertical upwelding is one of the most demanding techniques in manual welding, requiring precise control of heat, travel speed, and puddle management. Unlike flat or horizontal welds, vertical upwelds fight gravity at every pass. The molten metal must be carefully guided upward without sagging, dripping, or undercutting. This technique is essential in structural steelwork, pressure vessels, and heavy equipment repair—where weld integrity must meet rigorous standards.
While vertical downwelds are easier to perform and often look cleaner, they lack the penetration and strength required for load-bearing applications. Certification tests for structural welders frequently include vertical up passes using 7018 electrodes, making this skill a benchmark of professional competence.
Terminology Notes
- Puddle: The pool of molten metal formed during welding, which must be controlled to ensure fusion.
- Undercut: A groove melted into the base metal adjacent to the weld, weakening the joint.
- Weave Pattern: The side-to-side motion used to distribute filler metal across the joint.
- Shelf: A ledge of solidified weld metal that supports the next layer during vertical progression.
The most commonly used rod for vertical upwelds is the 7018, a low-hydrogen electrode known for its strength and ductility. For beginners, a 3/32" diameter rod is easier to control than 1/8", as it requires less amperage and produces a smaller puddle. DC reverse polarity is preferred, offering deeper penetration and smoother arc characteristics.
Recommended settings:
- 3/32" 7018: 90–105 amps
- 1/8" 7018: 110–130 amps
- Use inverter welders with fine amperage control for sensitive adjustments
- Avoid excessive heat, which causes sagging and poor side fusion
Success in vertical upwelding depends on consistent technique and ergonomic positioning. Welders should maintain a comfortable stance with clear visibility of the arc and puddle. A slight upward angle of the electrode—typically 10 to 15 degrees—helps direct the arc into the joint while supporting the shelf.
Weaving strategy:
- Move left, pause briefly to allow side fusion
- Sweep across the center, maintaining puddle shape
- Move right, pause again
- Repeat upward, building a shelf with each pass
- Maintain rhythm and avoid lingering in the center, which causes humping
In Montana, a rancher recalled his certification test in the 1980s, where vertical upwelds were bent into U-shapes to test integrity. Any cracks or pinholes disqualified the weld. He passed using 7018 rods on DC reverse polarity, despite struggling with vision. Years later, he still welds pipe using a mirror—a skill taught by an old hand who believed grinding was the mark of a good welder, not a bad one.
Common Mistakes and Corrections
- Too much amperage: Causes puddle to sag and undercut. Lower settings and tighter weave help.
- Insufficient side fusion: Leads to humped welds with weak edges. Hold longer at sides.
- Poor visibility: Use magnifying lenses or auto-darkening helmets with high clarity.
- Skipping root pass cleanup: Grind lightly before cap pass to remove oxidation and slag.
- Electrode too large: Switch to smaller diameter for better control.
- Attend vocational welding programs with open lab hours
- Practice on scrap steel with vertical joints and varied thickness
- Watch experienced welders through your helmet to learn puddle behavior
- Record your welds and analyze bead shape, undercut, and fusion
- Use mirrors or overhead setups to simulate complex positions
- Inverter TIG-compatible welders with adjustable amperage
- Lightweight units (~8 kg) with 160 amp capacity
- Electrodes: 7018, 3/32" and 1/8"
- Auto-darkening helmet with magnification lens
- Grinder with flap discs for weld prep and cleanup
Vertical upwelding is a test of patience, precision, and practice. It demands more than technical knowledge—it requires muscle memory, visual acuity, and rhythm. Whether repairing dump truck boxes or passing structural certifications, mastering this technique elevates a welder’s craft. In the world of fabrication, gravity is the adversary—and the puddle is the path.
