OPERATION
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FIGURE B.4 – THE WELDING ARC
2
1
7 4
3
5 6
1.ELECTRODE
2.COATING
3.SHIELDING GAS
4.ARC
5.BASE METAL
6.WELD METAL
7.SOLIDIFIED SLAG
Obviously, stick arc welding is a manual skill requir- ing a steady hand, good physical condition, and good eyesight. The quality of the weld depends on the skill of the welder to hold and control the weld- ing arc.
THE FOUR FACTORS OF SUCCESSFUL WELDING
Controlling the arc to make a successful weld depends on four factors. How well you control them will determine whether your welds succeed or fail. The four factors include:
•The Correct Welding Position
•The Correct Way to Strike an Arc
•The Correct Arc Length The Correct Welding Speed
•The Correct Welding Position
Figure B.5 shows the correct position for right- handed people. (If you are left-handed, the correct position is opposite the one shown.) Whenever pos- sible, weld from left to right so that you can see clearly what you are doing. Notice that the electrode should be held at a slight angle, 15 to 20 degrees from the perpendicular.
FIGURE B.5 –
CORRECT WELDING POSITION
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THE ELECTRODE
Besides diameter, the main difference between elec- trodes is their type of coating. This coating helps make the arc steady, shields the arc to keep oxygen and nitrogen in the air away from the molten metal, and provide a flux that picks up impurities which could weaken the weld.
The best coating for the job depends on a number of factors:
•The type of deposit you want, such as mild steel, stainless steel, low alloy, or hardfacing.
•The thickness of the plate you want to weld.
•The position you will be welding in (vertical, hori- zontal, downhand,
•The surface condition of the work.
•Your ability to handle and obtain the desired elec- trode.
90°
side view | end view |
THE CORRECT WAY TO STRIKE AN ARC
First be sure that the work clamp is making a good connection to the work. Lower your headshield and scratch the electrode slowly over the metal. Sparks will fly. While scratching, lift the electrode 1/8 inch (3.2 mm) and the arc will be established.
NOTE: If you stop moving the electrode while scratching, the electrode will stick to the work.
Most beginners try to strike the arc by a fast jabbing motion down onto the plate. Result: They either stick the electrode or their motion is so fast that they break the arc immediately.