Stick welding (SMAW – Stick Metal Arc Welding) is a simple yet versatile, inexpensive and portable welding process. Flux cored welding rods are used, eliminating the need for bottled shielding gas like that used in MIG welding or TIG welding.
Skill level required: Moderate
Suited for windy, outdoor conditions
Forgiving on dirty or rusty metal
Can weld at a long distance from machine
Always read and follow the safety precautions and operational instructions in your owner’s manual.
1. Take precautions with flying materials when chipping slag.
2. Keep electrodes clean and dry – follow manufacturer’s recommendations.
3. Common steel electrodes: (Refer to Diagram 8. Recommended Stick Electrodes)
4. Penetration: DCEN – Least penetration, AC – medium (can be more spatter also), DCEP – most penetration.
5. When welding a fillet, the leg of the weld should be equal to the thickness of the parts welded. (Refer to Diagram 10. Recommended Fillet Weld Thickness)
6. To set your amperage control, first determine recommended amp range for your electrode type and diameter. Then pick an amperage within the range based on your metal thickness (thinner metal, less amps). (Refer to Diagram 7. Example of Good and Bad Stick Welds)