Helpful Hints Basic Welding

Although these processes depend on the use of an electric arc, they differ in technique, including the type of electrode and equipment required. Stick welding is a manual arc welding process in which a covered metal stick electrode is used as the filler metal for making the weld. Wire welding is considered as a semi-automatic process, using a wire electrode that’s conveniently fed through a welding gun.

Stick welding requires you to have more skill because you have to consistently concentrate on the electrode while you are welding, keeping it in the proper welding position and manually maintaining the proper arc length as the electrode gets shorter.

Wire welding is considered to be somewhat easier than stick welding because the welding gun continuously feeds the wire while you weld, allowing you to focus on gun position for maintaining the proper arc length. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the electrode getting shorter.

Whether you prefer stick welding or wire welding…the welding process you use is most likely the one you have the most experience with or have the equipment for.

Stick welding (properly known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding or SMAW) requires use of a covered stick electrode, a metal rod that’s coated with a material called flux. An electrode holder is used to hold and supply current to the stick electrode, causing it to melt and deposit molten metal. As the electrode melts, the flux coating breaks down to perform several functions: 1) form a gas shielding to protect the weld puddle from the air, 2) keep the weld puddle clean from contaminants, and 3) produce a light, protective coating, called slag, over the weld. The slag is removed by tapping the weld with a chipping hammer or chisel and cleaned off with a wire brush.

Stick electrodes ideal for various home and farm welding projects include Hobart’s 335A, 18AC, 418 and 447A. These premium stick electrodes are great for many different applications and come in a variety of diameter sizes. For a list of product applications, see pages 10-11.