How To Stick Weld: A Basic Guide

Here's a few tips on how to stick weld: Stick welding, other wise known by its technical name sheilded metal arc welding, is a manual welding process that is predominantly used in the field and areas that is not so easily accessible to TIG and MIG welders but is also used by many hobby welders and welders of other types.

Stick welding works by using a electrode stick coated in flux plugged on to the end of a welding torch that is driven by an electric current. Like other welding techniques, stick welding works on the arc welding process and can be used for pretty much most metal materials although it is predominantly used on iron and steel.

How to stick weld Part 1:

Stick welding carries the most simple of welding equipment so you simply have to attached the welding stick to the welder then turn the welder on. Once the welder is on and your ready to go simply and lightly bring the end of the electrode covered in flux into contact with the material you are wishing to weld and pull it back, this will then generate a welding arc and you are ready to start welding.

How to stick weld Part 2:

You will notice that the electrode will start to drip onto your work and that the work piece in the welding arc will start to melt so what you need to achieve is a slow and deliberate welding speed that allows the electrode stick and work piece to weld what you need without melting the work to much causing damage and a poor weld. As you weld you also need to ensure that you keep the welding stick a steady and deliberate distance from your work.

For beginners who want to learn how to stick weld, in stick welding the most common issue is getting a quality weld, generally there will always be a form of weld spatter, slag and even cracking or weak welds. These issues can be caused by having a long weld arc or welding too quickly so a good weld cannot be formed.

Stick Welding Instruction Part 3:

Stick welding works because as the electrode stick melts the flux causes a gas to form that becomes the shielding gas stopping oxygen from attacking the weld as its still hot and settling.

Safety

As you learn how to stick weld and as you carry out stick welding it is important to ensure your safety and those in the local area to your welding. To keep yourself safe its important to have welding gloves and goggles and also protective clothing, to protect others its important to use a welding curtain so they are protected from the brightness of the welder.

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