Stick Welding Process Overview

Stick welding is a process that uses a covered electrode that is also called a stick. The full name for stick welding is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and is more widely used than many other methods of welding.

This works by melting the flux that covers the electrode as the welder welds a work-piece. As this process continues it forms gas and slag and these two things shield the arc and the weld pool of molten metal. After the work-piece is welded the welder must chip off the slag. The flux also adds scavengers, deoxidizers and other types of alloy elements to the metal during the weld.

There are many advantages of using this method. First of all this is one of the most inexpensive ways to weld because the equipment is easy to use, portable and inexpensive. You don't have to worry about regulating the flux because the electrode does the regulating of the flux. This method is also less susceptible to wind and drafts than other methods, especially the welding processes that are gas shielded. You can also use this method in any position.

The Stick welding process overview shows that this process is used more than any other form of arc welding. It is also versatile, flexible and used by a wider variety of individual. As an example, you can use this method to make small repairs around your home, you can repair equipment and it is used in the erection of still and other commercial types of joining metal.

Sometimes there can be problems with stick melding but they are relatively easy to fix. Some of the most common problems you may run into include:

- Spatter - this basically makes the metal look messy and it is expensive to clean. There are many things you can do to fix this and we will talk more about this in the tips article.

- Undercutting - this also changes the appearance of the metal and can weaken the weld especially when it has tension or fatigue.

- Wet Electrodes - if you see that your arc is erratic or it is acting rough, then the electrodes can be wet.

- Cracking - there are different types of cracks can happen in different spaces in the weld, and it can be caused by high carbon or high alloy content.

When you are looking for flux coated electrodes you can find them in many different sizes and lengths. The best way to tell which ones you need is to match the base metal with the properties of the electrodes. You can usually find them in bronze, aluminum bronze, nickel and stainless steel.

Of all the electrical welding methods, stick welding is the most versatile because it can be used to weld more metals together than many of the other methods. It is also one of the easiest to do though it will take practice if you are truly a beginner to welding. However, even when you are a beginner it is quick to learn and with practice you will do a very good weld using this method.