RADLEY 1150-000, Owner'S Manual, Page: 14 / 22

13
GROUND CLAMP CONNECTION
Clear any dirt, rust, scale, oil or paint on the ground clamp. Make certain you have a good
solid ground connection. A poor connection at the ground clamp will waste power and
heat. Make sure the ground clamp touches the metal.
SELECTING THE PROPER ELECTRODE
There is no golden rule that determines the exact rod or heat setting required for every
situation. The type and thickness of metal and the position of the workpiece determine
the electrode type and the amount of heat needed in the welding process. Heavier and
thicker metals require more amperage. It is best to practice your welds on scrap metal
which matches the metal you intend to work with to determine correct heat setting and
electrode choice. See the following troubleshooting tips to determine if you are using
the correct electrode.
1. WHEN THE PROPER ROD IS USED:
a. The bead will lay smoothly over the work without ragged edges.
b. The base metal puddle will be as deep as the bead that rises above it.
c. The welding operation will make a crackling sound similar to the sound of eggs frying.
2. WHEN A ROD TOO SMALL IS USED:
a. The bead will be high and irregular.
b. The arc will be difficult to maintain.
3. WHEN THE ROD IS TOO LARGE:
a. The arc will burn through light metals.
b. The bead will undercut the work.
c. The bead will be flat and porous.
d. The rod may freeze or stick to the workpiece.
WARNING!
Rate of travel over the work also affects the weld. To ensure proper penetration and
enough deposit of rod, the arc must be moved slowly and evenly along the weld seam.
THIS WELDING MACHINE MUST BE CONNECTED TO POWER SOURCE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE ELECTRICAL CODES.