Welcome back to Efficient & Proficient with Kevin Roy. In this episode, Kevin walks through the SMAW 4GF welder qualification—the overhead position and the final step toward your all-position SMAW.

If you’ve already knocked out flat, horizontal, and vertical, this is the one that completes the set and makes you more valuable and versatile in the field.

You’ll learn:

• What 4GF is (SMAW overhead) and why it matters for all-position qualification
• How the 4GF test assembly is the same as the 1GF and 3GF setup
• What to expect with CSR-marked starts/stops, and why you don’t move the coupon until CSR has checked it
• Root pass approach: square side first (about 3/4 of the joint), then bevel side (about 1/4) to the marks
• Overhead body mechanics: get comfortable, build a steady base, use an armrest, and plant your hip to stabilize
• Why overhead demands a tight arc length and consistent rod angle (gravity isn’t your friend)
• A key technique detail: maintain a small gap between beads so you can tie them in cleanly
• Why small hot passes beat “two fat passes” (reduces risk of lack of fusion)
• How the bend test evaluation works: 3 straps total (2 roots, 1 cap)
• The benefit of passing 4GF: next time you test, it can be a single check test plate instead of repeating all positions