ESAB CIGWELD WeldSkill 205AC/DC, Operating Manual

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0-5555 6-7 STICK (MMAW) Welding
Gap varies from
1.6mm (1/16”) to 4.8mm (3/16”)
depending on plate thickness
Joint
Open Square Butt
1.6mm (1/16” ) max
1.6mm (1/16”)
Single Vee Butt Joint
Not less than
70 °
Double Vee Butt Joint
1.6mm (1/16”)
Lap Joint
Tee Joints
(Fillet both sides of the
joint)
Edge Joint
Fillet Joint
Corner Weld
Plug Weld Plug Weld
Not less than
70 °
Single Vee Butt Joint
Not less than
45 °
1.6mm (1/16”) max
Art # A-07695_AE
Figure 6-11: Typical joint designs for arc welding
6.12 Arc Welding Technique
A Word to Beginners
For those who have not yet done any welding, the simplest way to commence is to run beads on a piece of
scrap plate. Use mild steel plate about 6.0mm thick and a 3.2mm electrode. Clean any paint, loose scale or
grease off the plate and set it firmly on the work bench so that welding can be carried out in the downhand
position. Make sure that the work clamp is making good electrical contact with the work, either directly or
through the work table. For light gauge material, always clamp the work lead directly to the job, otherwise a
poor circuit will probably result.
6.13 The Welder
Place yourself in a comfortable position before beginning to weld. Get a seat of suitable height and do as
much work as possible sitting down. Don’t hold your body tense. A taut attitude of mind and a tensed body
will soon make you feel tired. Relax and you will find that the job becomes much easier. You can add much to
your peace of mind by wearing a leather apron and gauntlets. You won’t be worrying then about being burnt
or sparks setting alight to your clothes.
Place the work so that the direction of welding is across, rather than to or from, your body. The electrode
holder lead should be clear of any obstruction so that you can move your arm freely along as the electrode
burns down. If the lead is slung over your shoulder, it allows greater freedom of movement and takes a lot of
weight off your hand. Be sure the insulation on your cable and electrode holder is not faulty, otherwise you
are risking an electric shock.