WELDTECH WT200MP, Operating Instructions Manual

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Corner Weld
(Fig 1-19g)
Tee Joints
(Fig 1-19h)
Edge Joint
(Fig 1-19i)
Plug Welds
(Fig 1-19j)
Arc Welding Techniques
- A Word for 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 down hand position. Make sure
that the Work Lead/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.
The Welder
Place yourself in a comfortable position before be-
ginning 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 worry-
ing 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 elec-
trode 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.
Striking the Arc
Practice this on a piece of scrap plate before going
on to more exacting work. You may at first experi-
ence difficulty due to the tip of the electrode “stick-
ing” to the work piece. This is caused by making too
heavy a contact with the work and failing to with-
draw the electrode quickly enough. A low amper-
age will accentuate it. This freezing-on of the tip may
be overcome by scratching the electrode along the
plate surface in the same way as a match is struck. As
soon as the arc is established, maintain a 1.6mm to
3.2mm gap between the burning electrode end and