ESAB FABRICATOR 141i
Manual 0-5420 4-9 BASIC WELDING GUIDE
4.03 Stick (SMAW) Basic Welding
Technique
Size of Electrode
The electrode size is determined by the thickness of metals
being joined and can also be governed by the type of welding
machine available. Small welding machines will only provide
sufficient current (amperage) to run the smaller size elec-
trodes.
For thin sections, it is necessary to use smaller electrodes
otherwise the arc may burn holes through the job. A little
practice will soon establish the most suitable electrode for a
given application.
Storage of Electrodes
Always store electrodes in a dry place and in their original
containers.
Electrode Polarity
Electrodes are generally connected to the ELECTRODE HOLDER
with the Electrode Holder connected positive polarity. The
WORK LEAD is connected negative polarity and is connected to
the work piece. If in doubt consult the electrode data sheet or
your nearest Accredited ESAB Distributor.
4.04 Effects of Stick Welding Various
Materials
High Tensile and Alloy Steels
The two most prominent effects of welding these steels are
the formation of a hardened zone in the weld area, and, if
suitable precautions are not taken, the occurrence in this zone
of under-bead cracks. Hardened zone and under-bead cracks
in the weld area may be reduced by using the correct elec-
trodes, preheating, using higher current settings, using larger
electrodes sizes, short runs for larger electrode deposits or
tempering in a furnace.
Manganese Steels
The effect on manganese steel of slow cooling from high
temperatures is to embrittle it. For this reason it is absolutely
essential to keep manganese steel cool during welding by
quenching after each weld or skip welding to distribute the
heat.
Cast Iron
Most types of cast iron, except white iron, are weldable. White
iron, because of its extreme brittleness, generally cracks when
attempts are made to weld it. Trouble may also be experienced
when welding white-heart
malleable, due to the porosity caused by gas held in this type
of iron.
Copper and Alloys
The most important factor is the high rate of heat conductivity
of copper, making pre-heating of heavy sections necessary to
give proper fusion of weld and base metal.
Types of Electrodes
Arc Welding electrodes are classified into a number of groups
depending on their applications. There are a great number
of electrodes used for specialized industrial purposes which
are not of particular interest for everyday general work.
These include some low hydrogen types for high tensile steel,
cellulose types for welding large diameter pipes, etc The range
of electrodes dealt with in this publication will cover the vast
majority of applications likely to be encountered; are all easy
to use.
Arc Welding Practice
The techniques used for arc welding are almost identical
regardless of what types of metals are being joined. Naturally
enough, different types of electrodes would be used for differ-
ent metals as described in the preceding section.
Welding Position
The electrodes dealt with in this publication can be used in
most positions, i.e. they are suitable for welding in flat, hori-
zontal, vertical and overhead positions. Numerous applications
call for welds to be made in positions intermediate between
these. Some of the common types of welds are shown in
Figures 4-11 through 4-18.
Art # A-07687
Figure 4-11: Flat Position, Down Hand Butt Weld
Figure 4-12: Flat Position, Gravity Fillet Weld
Figure 4-13: Horizontal Position, Butt Weld
Figure 4-14: Horizontal-Vertical (HV) Position
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
