What is Forehand Welding?

Forehand welding is a technique where the welding torch or gun is pointed toward the direction of welding. This type of welding is commonly used for root passes in pipe welding, as well as other applications where access is limited.

Forehand welding can be performed with any type of welding process, including:

gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW),
plasma arc welding (PAW),
and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).

Forehand welding is generally considered to be a more difficult technique than other types of welding, due to the limited access and visibility.

What are the characteristics of forehand welding?

There are several characteristics that are associated with forehand welding, including:

Improved penetration: When compared to other welding techniques, forehand welding can provide improved penetration into the base metal. This is due to the fact that the welding torch is pointing directly into the root of the weld.
Reduced distortion: Forehand welding can also help to reduce distortion in the weld joint. This is due to the fact that the heat input is focused in a specific area, which helps to minimize the amount of heat-affected zone (HAZ).
Increased deposition rates: In addition, forehand welding often leads to increased deposition rates. This is because the welding torch is able to direct more heat into the weld joint, which allows for faster welding speeds.

What is forward and backward welding conditions?

Forward and backward welding conditions are determined by the position of the welding torch. In forward welding, the torch is pointing in the direction of travel. This provides improved visibility and access to the weld joint.