Arc welding is one of the simpler forms of welding. It uses a powerful electrical supply to create an arc between the metal piece that is being worked on and the electrode. The powerful electricity generates enough heat that melts the electrode and parts of the base metal. When it hardens, the weld combines the two pieces of metal. To prevent reacting with the air, the working area is normally protected by some form of shielding gas or slag. There are different types of arc welding now and both alternating current and direct current can be used. Here is a short article that can help out those of who want to know how to arc weld in the proper way:
Let’s start by familiarizing ourselves with the terms commonly used in arc welding:
Welding Machine- This is the machine that converts the household electrical current to the right level needed in welding. The main bulk of the machine consists of the transformer that changes the voltage of the electricity.
Welding Lead- These are the copper conductors that are heavily insulated which are used for carrying the current from then machine to the metal piece.
Stinger or Holder- This is the metal nose or at the end of the welding lead that is used for holding the electrode.
Ground Clamp- This is a lead attached to the metal piece being worked on that grounds it. It completes the electrical circuit so the current can pass through the metal piece being worked on.
Electrode- This is the material that comes in contact with the piece being worked on. There are mainly two types of electrodes; these are the consumable and the non-consumable. The consumable type melts during the welding process providing a material that binds the pieces being worked, while non-consumable electrodes merely serve as conductor for the current. Electrodes can also have specialized coatings that provide protection for the work area from reacting with the air.
Arc welding is not just about moving the welding electrode above the pieces that you are working on. You have to fit the pieces that you are working on properly before you start the welding process. A good practice for welding thick pieces of metal is to create a groove that can be filled with weld. The first step in welding is striking the arc. This means creating an electrical arc between the electrode and the metal piece. The arc is the one that generates enough heat to melt the electrode. Then start moving the electrode to generate a bead, or the molten metal from the electrode and the metal piece. You can control the shape of the bead by movements of the electrode. Remember to remove the slag as you work.
Now that you have learned some of the common terms used in arc welding and the basic steps in performing the process, it is important to note that safety should always be at the top of your mind when performing welding. The process is a hazardous one and so you must always be on the alert and cautious about your movement around metal and electricity. You should only perform welding with the proper safety gear like a good welding helmet, gloves, and an apron.