The students learning to weld on out team on the first day are introduced to the hammer and vice test. Almost every weld they do in training before build are clamped in a large vice and broken with a hammer. This way they see inside their welds and can improve. Having them see the welds that look great on the outside but have no penetration at the joint is a learning experience. The students do their own testing and just ask us when they feel the need. I have not seen a broken weld on our robot in years. One benefit of this simple testing is our welders have improved their skills enough the we weld mostly 1/16 wall instead 1/8 wall. This is a large savings in weight.
