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model no. 058-1294-8 | contact us 1-800-689-9928
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It is important that the gap be maintained during the welding process and it should be neither too
wide nor too narrow. If too narrow, the rod will stick to the workpiece. If too wide, the arc will
be extinguished. It needs much practice to maintain the gap. Beginners may usually get sticking
or arc extinguishing. When the rod sticks to the workpiece, gently rock it back and forth to make
it release. If not, the circuit will be shorted, and it will overload the welder. A good arc is
accompanied by a crisp, crackling sound. The sound is similar to that made by eggs frying. To
lay a weld bead, only 2 movements are required; downward and in the direction the weld is to be
laid, as in the following figure:
2.3 Types of weld bead
The following paragraphs discuss the most commonly used arc welding beads. The stringer bead
is formed by travelling with the electrode in a straight line while keeping it
centred over the weld joint.
The weave bead is used when you want to deposit metal over a wider space than would be
possible with a stringer bead. It is made by weaving from side to side while moving with the
electrode. It is best to hesitate momentarily at each side before weaving back the other way to
improve penetration.
2.4 Welding position
The flat position is the easiest of the welding positions and is most commonly used. It is best if you can
weld in the flat position if at all possible as good results are easier to achieve.
The horizontal position is performed very much the same as the flat weld except that the angle is different
such that the electrode, and therefore the arc force, is directed more toward the metal above the weld joint.
This more direct angle helps prevent the weld puddle from running downward while still allowing slow
enough travel speed to achieve good penetration. A good starting point for your electrode angle is about 30
degrees DOWN from being perpendicular to the workpiece.
2.5 Judge a good weld bead
When the trick of establishing and holding an arc has been learned, the next step is learning how to run a
good bead. The first attempts in practice will probably fall short of acceptable weld beads. Too long an arc
will be held or the travel speed will vary from slow to fast. See the following picture:
A. Weld speed is too fast.
B. Weld speed is too slow.
C. Arc is too long.
D. Ideal weld.
model no. 058-1294-8 | contact us 1-800-689-9928
model no. 058-1294-8 | contact us 1-800-689-9928
model no. 058-1294-8 | contact us 1-800-689-9928
model no. 058-1294-8 | contact us 1-800-689-9928
