68 Modern Welding 3.7 Electrode Angles The American Welding Society uses two terms to describe the position of the electrode, gun or torch. These terms are used throughout this book and in industry to describe the position of the electrode in relation to the material being welded. The two terms used to describe the electrode angle, or position, are the travel angle and the work angle. 3.7.1 Travel Angle The travel angle is the angle measured from a line perpendicular to the weld axis in the plane defi ned by the weld axis and the electrode axis. Figure 3-44 shows a groove weld in the fl at position. The weld axis and a line perpendicular to the weld axis are shown in Figure 3-44A. Figure 3-44B adds a plane and an electrode. The plane goes through the weld axis and the electrode axis. Figure 3-44C shows how the travel angle is measured. The travel angle is the angle between a line perpendicular to the weld axis and the electrode. The angle is measured in the plane containing the weld axis and the electrode axis. The travel angle shown is about 20°. Figure 3-45 shows a fi llet weld in the horizontal position. The weld axis and a line perpendicular to the weld axis are shown in Figure 3-45A. Figure 3-45B adds a plane and an electrode. The plane goes through the weld axis and the electrode axis. Figure 3-45C shows how the travel angle is measured. The travel angle is the angle between a line perpendicular to the weld axis and the electrode. The angle is measured in the plane containing the weld axis and the electrode axis. The travel angle shown is about 20°. When the top of the electrode leads the welding end of the electrode, and the welding arc is pointing back toward the weld bead, the travel angle is called a drag angle or a drag travel angle. This is also known as backhand welding. If the welding end of the elec- trode points forward in the direction of travel, the angle is called a push angle or a push travel angle. This is also known as forehand welding. Figure 3-42. Seam welds. A—An illustration of a seam weld made with the electron beam. Its size at the fusion point is .1″. B—The welding symbol and weld symbol for the electron beam seam weld shown in A. C—A fi nished seam weld made using the resistance welding process. D—This welding drawing and weld symbol will produce the weld shown in C. .1″ .38″ .38 .1 EBW A C B D RSEW Flat edge weld Vertical T-weld Horizontal butt weld Flat butt weld Flat double butt weld Overhead double butt weld Flat lap weld Plug weld Horizontal T-weld Overhead lap weld Figure 3-43. Examples of various types of welds in various positions.