Product Manual

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The horizontal position it is performed very much the same as the flat weld except that the angle is
different such that the electrode, and therefore the arc force, is directed more toward the metal
above the weld joint. This more direct angle helps prevent the weld puddle from running downward
while still allowing slow enough travel speed to achieve good penetration. A good starting point for
your electrode angle is about 30 degrees DOWN from being perpendicular to the work piece.
7.5 Judge the good weld bead
When the trick of establishing and holding an arc has been learned, the next step is learning how to
run a good bead. The first attempts in practice will probably fall short of acceptable weld beads. Too
long of an arc will be held or the travel speed will vary from slow to fast (see following)
A. Weld speed is too fast.
B. Weld speed is too slow.
C. Arc is too long.
D. Ideal weld.
A solid weld bead requires that the electrode be moved slowly and steadily along the weld seam.
Moving the electrode rapidly or erratically will prevent proper fusion or create a lumpy, uneven bead.
ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN KILL! To prevent ELECTRIC SHOCK, do not perform any welding
while standing, kneeling, or lying directly on the grounded workpiece.
7.6 Finish the bead
As the coating on the outside of the electrode burns off, it forms an envelope of protective gases
around the weld. This prevents air from reaching the molten metal and creating an undesirable
chemical reaction. The burning coating, however, forms slag. The slag formation appears as an
accumulation of dirty metal scale on the finished weld. Slag should be removed by using a chipping
hammer.
PEENING THE SLAG FROM A WELD JOINT CUASES SMALL CHIPS OF METAL TO FLY
THROUGH THE AIR! Metallic chips flying through the air can cause eye injury or injury to
other parts of the head, hands or exposed portions of the body. Wear goggles or safety
glasses with side shields and protect the hands and other exposed parts of the body with
protective garments, or if possible, work with a shield between the body and the work piece.
The intense heat produced at the arc sets up strains in the metal joined by welding. Peening the
weld not only removes the scale left behind in the welding but relieves the internal strains developed
by the heating and cooling process.