Product Manual

Page 17 of 25
It is important that the gap be maintained during the welding process without being 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. Practice will be needed to maintain the gap. A beginner will usually have
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 (like 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 figure:
c. Types of weld bead
The following paragraphs discuss the most commonly 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.
d. Welding position
Flat position It is easiest of the welding positions and is most commonly used. It is
best if you can weld in the flat position if at all possible as good results are easier to
achieve.
The horizontal position it 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 running downward while still allowing slow enough
travel speed to achieve good penetration. A good starting point for your electrode
angle is about 30 degrees DOWN from being perpendicular to the work piece.
e. Judging a good weld bead
After you’ve learned to create and hold an arc, the next step is learning how to run a
good bead. The first attempts in practice will probably fall short of acceptable weld
Stringer Bead
Weave Bead
Flat Position
Horizontal Position