How to Make an ARC Weld Bead

Making a good arc welding bead takes practice, knowledge, the proper equipment, and skill. A shielded metal arc welder (SMAW) or commonly a stick welder is one of the most used methods of welding in the world. It uses an electric welding power supply and a flux covered consumable electrode to make an electric arc. The arc from the electrode heats the metal and adds filler material to join two pieces of metal together. As the electrode is consumed, the flux coating the electrode is burned giving off gases to protect the molten metal in the weld from atmospheric contamination. The flux also creates a layer of slag covering the cooling weld for more protection. This article will give you the basics for starting in arc welding.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proper Safety Equipment as discussed in step one.
• Arc Welder.
• Appropriate and safe area for welding.
• Welding rod.
• Practice 1/4 inch thick piece of steel.

1. 
    
   Some Basic Welding supplies.

   Start off by putting on the protective equipment needed to safely weld: A welding hood with a minimum number 10 dark welding glass over your head. A welding jacket made of leather to protect your arms and chest from molten welding spatter. Heavy, leather welding gloves to protect your hands from the welding spatter, intense heat, and ultraviolet rays of the arc. Heavy, fire resistant, cotton pants or jeans. The pants should be in good repair with no frays or be rolled up on the bottom. This could catch sparks and set your pants on fire. Leather shoes or work boots to protect your feet from stray sparks and hot pieces of metal.

2. 
    
   Basic arc welding setup.

   You will need the electrode cable and electrode holder, electrode, grounding cable, the welding power supply, and practice material. Set up the arc welding equipment per the manufactures instructions located in the manual.

3. 
    
   Vertical Arc Welding.

   With the your protective equipment on and the welding equipment setup, you are ready to turn the welding power supply on and strike an arc. To strike an arc, you sweep the electrode across the material bringing them into contact. The electrode is lifted sightly to form the arc. The electrode is lifted away roughly the diameter of the metal core of the electrode.

4. 
    

   Tilt the electrode about 15 degrees in the direction of travel. Move your head so you can see the weld puddle of molten metal through the welding hood. Travel speed is important to make a good bead. Keep the electrode in the front third of the weld puddle at the proper height. It should make a sound similar to and egg frying.

5. 
    
   A very nice example of a welding bead.

   Make a welding bead the length of the practice material. Move the electrode away and turn the welder off. Using a chipping hammer, remove the slag from the weld bead. The bead should be straight, parallel sides, and look like a stack of dimes laid on its side. Practice is what improves your skill to make good beads.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't give up if the first bead you make doesn't look so hot, good welders become that way by practicing.
• Don't rush your way through the steps.
• Always have a fire extinguisher handy.
• If your not used to welding work with someone near you just in case you start a fire.
• Always in a well ventilated area suitable for welding.
• Keep in mind your working with molten metal.
• As always I am not responsible for your personal safety in using these directions.
• Always seek professional advice if you feel you need further help.

Resources

• Wikipedia SMAW
• Miller Five tips to improve Stick welding