How to Use Welding Techniques

Some welders have the capability to perform several different kinds of arc welding processes. The most commonly used are stick, MIG and TIG welding. Become familiar with a multi-process welder to help you decide which type of welding function to use for your project.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Choose SMAW, often referred to as stick welding, for its flexibility, simplicity and mobility. You can use it for maintenance, repair and construction with most metals except reactive metals, such as aluminum and titanium. This type of welding uses a flux covered electrode which, when heated by the electric current flowing through the lead, melts with the electrode. The melting electrode provides the filler metal to the weld puddle and the flux coating provides a gas that protects the weld as it hardens.

2. Select the TIG, or gas tungsten arc welding, for a high quality weld on almost any type of metal. This process melts and joins the two metals by using a non-consumable electrode and the base metal. Use it for metals that are more difficult to weld, such as magnesium and aluminum. The absence of a filler results in a cleaner weld, less spatter and no slag.

3. Decide on MIG, or metal inert gas welding, to weld metal thicker that 1/4-inch. It's much like TIG welding, except that the electrode is consumable. It's a long wire fed through a hole in the gun handle, which carries the electric current to the work piece, supplying a filler metal as it melts. MIG welding is easy to learn, has very little spatter, no slag and the joint is clean. It's harder to weld in tight places and you loose some portability because of the size of the gun and the stiff cable.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear the appropriate protective equipment with whatever type of welding you're doing. This includes a welding helmet, leather gloves and apron and rubber soled shoes. Refer to your instruction manual for safety instructions for your particular welding equipment.