How to Use a Welding Rod
Welding with rods, or electrodes, is the way most beginners start out. It is a good solid way to weld that provides excellent penetration and strength, and can be used in almost any situation. Everything from stock steel to aluminum can be welded using rods, and there is no fear of running out of wire or a feed wheel breaking. Welding with rods is still the first choice of many seasoned veterans who have been in the business for years.
Instructions
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Plug in and set up the machine. Set the dials on the welder to match the size material you are welding on, and turn the machine on. Inspect all the welding leads and power cords for damage each time you weld to ensure safety. Many welders have a chart on the side indicating where the settings should be for different materials.
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Place the small end of the rod that is bare of flux (if applicable) into the weld clamp (sometimes called a "stinger"). Give the rod a slight tug in each direction to make sure there is no wiggle room, because a loose electrode will not create a good arc. The welding clamp has ridges on the inside to help hold the rod in place. Be sure that only rod and no flux is contacting the weld clamp for best results.
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Place the ground clamp as close to the weld area as is safely possible. Doing this strengthens the arc and makes a much cleaner electrical circuit for welding. Make sure the area that the ground clamp will be attached to is clean and bare, with no rust, oxidation or paint on the surface. Grind debris away, if necessary.
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Strike the arc. Instead of simply stabbing at the metal or touching the rod to it and holding it there, make a slight sweeping motion when it contacts the welding surface. This will prevent the rod from sticking to the work and overloading the welder. The sweeping motion should be very slight--just touch the rod to the work and sweep it to the side very slightly to create the arc. It takes practice. Then, once the arc is burning, you may move the electrode slowly along the surface to be welded.
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Tips & Warnings
7018 is a great rod to use when starting out.
Never weld without wearing a hood and gloves.
