How To Arc (Stick) Weld

ARC welding is the original form of electric welding. It’s the cheapest way to get into welding and a super handy skill to learn. Here’s everything you need to know to get you started.

Before you leave Supercheap Auto, grab a pack of electrodes to suit your welder. There are many types of electrodes for different jobs & metal thickness, so read the label on the electrodes - to ensure they suit your purpose.

An SCA ARC welder comes just about ready to go straight out of the box. Just connect the earth clamp and electrode lead to the machine, insert the right electrode for the job; and you’re ready to give it a go!

Before switching the power on, clamp the earth lead to a clean, solid area on your work piece – and throw on your safety gear. This should include tough enclosed footwear, long trousers, welding gloves, long sleeves, and a welding face mask or helmet. Also, make sure there are no children or animals in the area, and that anyone else involved in the job is wearing the same protective gear.

On a basic ARC welder, there is only one control you need worry about – and that is current adjustment. Turn the current down to weld thinner metal, and crank it up for thicker projects. Of course, deciding the correct power is a matter of trial and error – so be sure to practise on a piece of scrap to perfect the weld - before tackling the actual project.

ARC welding requires steady control of the hand to maintain the correct gap between the tip of the electrode - and your work piece. With your welding mask on, tap the electrode against the metal to strike the arc and immediately pull away a little. The same action you would do to strike a matchstick is a good example. Leave the electrode too close and it will stick. Too far, and the arc will cut out. Once you learn to feed the electrode at the right distance, your weld should make a sizzling sound, and the gun should travel smoothly without stabbing.

Remember to keep your welding within the bounds of the machines duty cycle. If this is 10 percent, rest the welder for 9 minutes after one continuous minute of welding. If you are having trouble maintaining the arc, you may need to increase the welding current. On the other hand, if the work piece is melting away, or blowing holes as you go; you may benefit from turning the current down.

When you’ve got the hang of maintaining the arc, it’s time to concentrate on laying the weld. Practise using either a weaving or zig zag movement. Using this method you can create broader, neater, and more structurally sound welds.

Once the trigger is released and the arc stops, clean up the weld with a wire brush if necessary and inspect your weld. There may be some examples in your welders manual to reference what a good weld looks like, and some examples of poor welds - along with their causes. If not, there are plenty of images available online from reputable sources. These will help you make adjustments for the perfect result.

Once you’re happy with your weld, make sure you clean off any slag using a chipping hammer and wire brush, then lay some paint over it as soon as possible to prevent corrosion – and finally remember, practice makes perfect!

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