Stick Welding...Part 1 Of A Three Part Welding Series

Which welding process should I try first? Stick welding Part 1

If as a novice welder oxy fuel welding isn’t in your list of “must do” list, then the second best process to learn the basics of welding is the stick welding process.   No, stick welding isn’t recommended because it’s easy.  In fact, it can be quite difficult.  But the reason it is recommended is that it is a process that allows you to see the see and recognized the puddle.  Puddle recognition skills are a little different in the stick welding process and in fact, a little harder.   The process of the flux burning off the electrode creates a form of slag on top of the weld.  This slag melts easily and can sometimes over run the top of the weld pool.  The difference in the puddles of the slag and the actual molten metal can be hard to distinguish.   However, this is why it is a good process to begin with.   Once the actual weld pool can be distinguished, it will never again be lost regardless of the weld process. The best way to improve manipulation skills is perhaps with the stick welding process.  It is an excellent process to develop muscle control through muscle memory.  It takes a light but defined touch to properly manipulate filler metal.  Another issue dependent upon muscle memory and one that stick welding improves is the ability to hold and maintain an arc gap.  This is critical to welding and maintaining proper heat levels and weld appearance.   The arc gap length if too long can introduce impurities into the weld such as slag and air by the violent force of a long unstable arc.  If it is held too short, low heat, and even extinguishing of the arc may be experienced.  

Everlast Power Equipment, your stick welding experts.