How to Have Proper Welding Starts and Stops

If you're welding and suddenly the electrode is used up, you need to stop to change the electrode before you begin again. To avoid striking marks on the plate, you need to know the correct way to do welding starts and stops.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Create the simple stringer bead. Start slightly ahead of the starting point and weld backward over the start. Go forward again in the proper direction. When the electrode runs out, stop and change it.

2. Begin a little bit ahead of the place where you ended your strike. Welding starts and stops require that you not start right at the end of the bead but slightly further ahead. This prevents strike marks and increases the strength of the weld.

3. Reverse the normal direction and go back and cover the end where you stopped. This should cover the end of the strike.

4. Change the direction of the weld to the normal direction. You proceed over the strike mark and continue your bead. This melts the strike marks out and gives the proper welding of start and stops.

5. Adjust for the end of the strike plate. Pause slightly over the end. You then need to back the bead up about 3/8 inch to 1/4 inch. This prevents cracks and a hole at the end of the weld.

6. Complete the weld by breaking the arc.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that strike marks are places where cracks can develop.