SMAW

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SMAW Shielded Metal Arc Welding
aka arc welding or stick welding
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Work to be welded is connected to one side of an
electric circuit (the ground cable). A metal
electrode is connected to the other side (the
electrode cable). These two parts of the circuit
are brought together and then separated
slightly. The electric current jumps the gap and
causes a continuous spark called an arc. The high
temperature of this arc melts the metal to be
welded, forming a molten puddle. The electrode
also melts and adds metal to the puddle. As the
arc is moved, the metal solidifies. The
melting action is controlled by changing the 1)
amount of electric current that flows across the
arc and 2) the size of the electrode.
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AC vs. DC
Alternating Current reverses direction 120 times
per second Direct Current flows in same
direction at all times We will always use DC
current. DC sets the metal piece is negative
electrode is positive. DC is more stable and
every electrode can be used!
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Electrodes

• Usually has a steel core, which is covered with a
  coating that shields the arc to keep harmful
  oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere away from
  the weld.
• AWS
• (American Welding Society)
• E-6013 1 all positions (2 flat/horizontal3de
  ep groove)
• EElectrode 3 indicates operating
  characteristics (polarity,coating, etc.)
• 60 gives minimum tensile strength in thousands
  psi (60,000)

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Right-handed welders see better welding L to R
while left-handed welders should weld R to L. 4
Things that Affect the Results of Arc
Welding 1.) current setting (or amperage) 2.)
length of arc (or arc voltage) 3.) rate of
travel 4.) angle of electrode General rule of
thumb current setting (amps) should be equal to
the diameter of the electrode (core rod) in
thousandths of an inch EX 1/8 electrode .125
and operates well at 125 /- 10
(115-135) 5/32electrode .156 and operates well
at 150/-10 (140-160)
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Arc length increases as arc voltages
increases. Ex arc 3/16 long requires 3x the
voltage of a 1/16 arc
Arc length should be slightly less than diameter
of electrode being used. Use the sound of the
arc to guide you sound should be sharp,
energetic crackle. Electrode must be fed
downward at a constant rate to keep the right arc
length! Rate of travel of the arc changes with
the thickness of the metal being welded, amount
of current, and shape/size of weld (bead)
wanted. Arc length and arc travel should be
such that the puddle of molten metal is about
twice the diameter of the rod used.
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On flat pieces, electrode should make an angle of
90 degrees with the work. In other than flat
work, good results are obtained if the rod splits
whatever angle is being welded. (Ex 90 degree
angle weld electrode should be tilted at a 45
degree angle for best results.)