Product Manual

Page 36 of 47
⚠WARNING
EXPOSURE TO A WELDING ARC IS EXTREMELY HARMFUL TO THE EYES AND SKIN!
 Prolonged exposure to the welding arc can cause blindness and burns. Never strike an arc or
begin welding until you are adequately protected. Wear flame-proof welding gloves, a heavy long
sleeved shirt, trousers without cuffs, high topped shoes, and an ANSI approved welding helmet.
b. Striking the arc
Scratch the work piece with the end of electrode to start the arc and then raise it
quickly about 1/8 inch gap between the rod and the work piece. See the following
illustration:
It is important that the gap be maintained during the welding process and it shouldn’t be too
wide or too narrow. If it’s too narrow, the rod will stick to the work piece. If it’s too wide, the arc
will be extinguished. It needs much practice to maintain the gap. Beginners may get sticker or
arc extinguishing. When the rod is stuck to the work piece, gently rock it back and forth to
separate them. If not, a short circuit will occur and it will break the welder. A good arc is
accompanied by a crisp, cracking sound (eggs frying). To lay a weld bead, only two
movements are required: downward (as the electrode is consumed) and in the direction the
weld is to be laid, as in the following illustration:
c. Types of weld bead
The following paragraphs discuss the most commonly used arc welding beads.
The stringer bead is formed by traveling with the electrode in a straight line while
keeping the electrode centered over the weld joint.