In a perfect world, we would. Every fabrication shop tries to position joints in the flat (1G) position because it is faster, cheaper, and has a lower defect rate. However, in the real world:
If the vertical bead doesn’t look like a row of sagging zombie teeth, you’re ahead of 80% of hobbyists. If it does? Welcome to the club. Now turn down the heat, tighten the arc, and try again. weld position
Want to know if you’re a real welder? Don’t show me your flat fillets. Show me a on ¼” plate with 7018 rod. Or a 6G pipe coupon that passes X-ray. In a perfect world, we would