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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 or
too narrow. If too narrow, the rod will stick to the work piece. If too wide, the arc will be extinguished. It
needs much practice to maintain the gap. The beginners may usually get sticker or arc extinguishing.
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:
3.7.3 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.
The weave bead
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.
3.7.4 Welding position
Stringer Bead
Weave Bead
Summary of Contents for WAVE 200DIII
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