Tell me why I shouldn't just do straight line
They all look the same

>>2973045
because each one has different applications
https://www.arccaptain.com/es/blogs/article/welding-weave-patterns

>>2973045
The weaves are slightly wider.
>Tell me why I should use one weave over the other.
There is no why. It doesn't matter.

>>2973048
>There is no why. It doesn't matter.
you'd fail a steamfitter job for sure

>>2973050
So I'm told.

Haven't welded in about 2,5 years now. Ever since I moved and got an office job.
I'd like to buy a TIG but I know I won't use it often. Not enough projects around the house :(

>>2973045
Avoid square weave technique unless you have a reason to do it.
The bead width variation isn't worth it. Inspectors judge bead width, based on most narrow measurement.

Square weave pattern will commonly fail inspection if you ever push the weld pool too far. Not worth it.
Stick it consistent bead width, if that means a different weave technique, so be it.

Weld superiority isn't subjective.
You use the correct motion for the application, and you achieve a perfect bead output.
No one cares how you actually maneuver your electrode tip, except the inspector when they find bead inconsistency.

Equal fluid movement of the weld pool at consistent bead width is the way. Anything else is the dark side.

>>2973196
Not to say it's bad, it's just that other motions can make up for a mistake like slightly pushing your pool too far.
If you do it with square weave, you're going to become a grinder instead of a welder.

So, use the other motions, as they will forgive/cover up your mistake of inconsistent travel speed.
Square weave will not forgive that, as your pool will be beyond the toe of your last wave crest. Missing overlap within your own bead line is CRAZY and isn't even a possibility with most motions.
Square weave can do that, if you think about it, you are missing overlap, on the same bead you are making. From an efficient professional welding standard, this is bumfuck crazy and makes a mother fucker wonder, who even invented square weave? It's shit, unless you have to make that motion for a riveted/equally spaced bolted edge, there's almost NO REASON to ever square weave.

>>2973061
Why not just get a simple cheapo stick welder?

No gas canister. You can buy rods at local hardware stores. If you need a weld to look pretty, just grab some 7018's. If you need wire level/precision work, use a soldering iron kit.

SMAW stick welding is good enough for 99% of home level work.
Can be done for much cheaper, low cost stick unit, cost of rods, no gas to worry about. For home project/sporadic use, you really can't go wrong with stick.
(No rod oven though, better stick to the resilient stuff, men and children are separated by whether or not they are comfortable with 60x0 rods.)

I want to make a test sample for dye penetration.
I was thinking doing a weld bead that cracks for sure (preferably invisible that only comes up with dye), grind and polish to flat.

What would be an "ideal" way to do this? What filler what settings would work?

>>2973061
>>2973204
just get a stick/mig machine with flux core wire
then you can dual shield if you want later