How to deal with sticky weld slag on 7018 or 7014...

I'm going to start highlighting discussions from Google's welding discussion group once in a while. If you're a welder and you aren't involved in it, I'd suggest at least reading it. There is tons to learn. I lurk, myself. This topic was a good discussion: "Really, really sticky slag on 7018 or 7014?"

This question was posed: "Is it generally true that when slag adheres MUCH more tightly than usual on 7018 or even 7014 that your amps are too high?" Answers included:

• "It means your amps are too low."

• "... it can happen with either to low or to much current. What makes slag stick is to have crevices. If you run to much current there will be undercut for slag to enter. If you run too little then there will be a crevice each side of the weld--and a place for slag to stick. A smooth flowing weld on each side without under cut helps prevent the slag. The main instance that I have trouble getting rid of 7018 slag is when welding in a deep groove that doesn't have enough slope on each side. This traps the slag making it nearly impossible to get out without anair chisel. "
  

• "A highly crowned bead in a groove creates problems. The solution in that case is to make flat beads. Be motivated on this because you can't chip and scrape alongside your bead enough to prevent problems with the next weld."

• "I've had more problems with slag sticking with low amps than high amps."

• "As soon as I slowed down and let the puddle fill, the slag sticking problem vanished."

Consensus seems to be that low amperage and undercut are the problems with nasty, sticky slag. Will follow this one as it progresses.