Are there any guiding tools for free hand welding on the market?

Question

I have limited dexterity and struggle to weld perfectly straight lines and curves. is there any form of a fence tool on the market for guiding the path of free hand welds???? thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

In 30 years, I've never come across something like what you're talking about...not that you couldn't make you own with a magnet base. Good welding comes with practice, practice and more practice "til you can lay down a perfect row of dimes".

Answer 2

Use two hands. Get more practice.



You should be able to SEE the joint. If you're having trouble seeing the joint get a shade of lens one number lighter for your hood. Or else just get a clean lens cover if yours is dirty.



If you can see the joint but don't have the reflexes or coordination to follow it, and you keep wandering, get more practice. If you can drive a car in between two white lines on a freeway, hopefully you can weld down the middle of a joint. Just a matter of practice and training your reflexes.



If you can see where you're supposed to be going alright but practice doesn't help you at all........ then you may need to choose a different career. I don't know what to tell you.



If you're not welding a joint, you're just doing freehand doodles on a flat plate, then who cares how straight it is? This isn't an art project. If you need to, get a soapstone and draw a very heavy chalk line with a ruler, then follow the line.

Answer 3

I am new to welding but took a class and in addition to the "practice makes perfect advice" there was a specific technique about how to hold your arms / hands to help with this stability. I am right handed -- use left hand to pull the trigger and the right hand under for support and guiding the weld.