Welding: Puddle

A continuous weld creates a long, rigid line of shrinkage stress. Multiple small puddles create many tiny stress zones that cancel each other out. For cast iron, this is critical: a single long bead can pull the part apart; puddle welding (often called “stitch welding” or “cold welding” in cast iron repair) keeps interpass temperatures below 200°F. 4. The Technique: How to Weld a Puddle (Badly, Then Well) A beginner’s puddle weld looks like a BB gun target practice. An expert’s looks like art.

Place the next puddle so that it covers 30-50% of the previous one. For a hole, start at the edge and spiral inward.

In the polished world of modern welding — where robotic arms trace flawless laser seams and certified welders chase radiographic perfection — there exists a grimy, rain-soaked cousin. It has no ISO standard. It rarely appears in textbooks. Yet it has kept tractors running, bridges standing, and pipelines flowing for nearly a century. puddle welding

Dip filler (or let the electrode burn) until the puddle swells slightly above the surface. For stick, this happens automatically — just hold still.

Wire brush off the heavy rust. Don’t bother with acetone; you’re outside. A continuous weld creates a long, rigid line

You will blow through. You will curse. You will grind off the bird droppings.

Break the arc cleanly. The puddle should freeze with a flat or slightly convex crown. Place the next puddle so that it covers

Each puddle tells a story: here the welder paused because a gust of wind hit. Here the rod stuck for a second. Here the base metal was thinner than expected. A continuous bead hides those moments. A puddle weld preserves them. Want to learn puddle welding? Forget coupons. Get a piece of 16-gauge sheet metal. Drill a ½-inch hole in it. Weld it shut with 1/16-inch 7018 at 50 amps or .030 MIG at 16 volts.