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work piece should be between 10 and 30 degrees. This will allow for good penetration, with minimal
spatter.
6.2 Striking the arc
EXPOSURE TO A WELDING ARC IS EXTREMELY HARMFUL TO THE EYES AND SKIN!
Prolonged exposure to the welding arc can cause blindness and burns. Never strike an arc
or begin welding until you are adequately protected. Wear flame-proof welding gloves, a
heavy long sleeved shirt, trousers without cuffs, high topped shoes, and an ANSI approved
welding helmet.
Scratch the work piece with the end of electrode to start arc and then raise it quickly about 1/8 inch
gap between the rod and the work piece. See following picture
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 work piece. If too wide, the arc will be
extinguished. It takes much practice to maintain the gap. The beginners may get stuck or arc will be
extinguished. When the rod is stuck to the work piece, gently rock it back and forth to make them
separate. If not, a short circuit will occur and it will break the welder. A good arc is accompanied by
a crisp, cracking sound. The sound is similar to that made by eggs frying. To lay a weld bead, only 2
movements are required; downward (as the electrode is consumed) and in the direction the weld is
to be laid, as in following figure:
6.3 Types of weld bead:
The following paragraphs discuss the most commonly used arc welding beads.
The stringer bead:
Formed by traveling with the electrode in a straight line while keeping the
electrode centered over the weld joint.
Stringer Bead
Weave Bead
