here are some crapy pics of my recent bend test in mig and arc welding classes. Bevel 2 pieces of plate, run a root pass, then a hot pass. an cap it, grind it down and remove the backing strap(arc) with an arc gouger(freakin cool machine) and cut 2 2.5" or 2 1.5" straps and bend to 70,00psi and see if your welds hold. the plate is welded with a 7018 rod and the other is uphill with a Mig .