Product Manual

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1/8-inch gap between the rod and the work piece. See following picture
It is important that the gap be maintained during the welding process and it should be neither
too wide nor too narrow. If too narrow, the rod will stick to the work piece. If too wide, the arc
will be extinguished. It takes much practice to maintain the gap. The beginners may get stuck
or arc will be extinguished. When the rod is stuck to the work piece, gently rock it back and
forth to make them separate. If not, a short circuit will occur, and it will break the welder. A
good arc is accompanied by a crisp, cracking sound. The sound is like that made by eggs
frying. To lay a weld bead, only 2 movements are required; downward (as the electrode is
consumed) and in the direction the weld is to be laid, as in following figure:
6.3 Types of weld bead:
The following paragraphs discuss the most used arc welding beads.
The stringer bead: Formed by traveling with the electrode in a straight line while
keeping the electrode centered over the weld joint.
The weave bead: Used when you want to deposit metal over a wider space than would be
possible with a stringer bead. It is made by weaving from side to side while moving with the
electrode. It is best to hesitate momentarily at each side before weaving back the other way.
6.4 Welding position
Flat position: It is easiest of the welding positions and is most used. It is best if you can weld
in the flat position if possible, as good results are easier to achieve.
Flat Position
Horizontal Position
The horizontal position: 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