Stick Welding Tips

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:

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.

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).

Scratch Start Technique

Drag electrode across workpiece like striking a match; lift electrode slightly after touching work. If arc goes out, electrode was lifted too high. If electrode sticks to workpiece, use a quick twist to free it.

1. Electrode
2. Workpiece
3. Arc

Tapping Technique

Bring electrode straight down to workpiece; then lift slightly to start arc. If arc goes out, electrode was lifted too high. If electrode sticks to workpiece, use a quick twist to free the electrode.

1. Electrode
2. Workpiece
3. Arc