Arc Welding Techniques
After learning how to establish and hold an arc, the next step is learning how
to run a good bead. Probably the first attempts in practice will fall short of
acceptable weld beads. Too long an arc will be held or the travel speed will
vary from slow to fast. A solid weld bead requires that the electrode be
moved slowly and steadily along the weld seam. Moving the electrode rapidly
or erratically prevents proper fusion or creates a lumpy, uneven bead.
A solid weld bead requires that the electrode be moved slowly and steadily
along the weld seam. Moving the electrode rapidly or erratically prevents
proper fusion or creates a lumpy, uneven bead.
Types of Commonly Used Weld Beads
There are two basic types of weld beads, the stringer bead and the weave bead.
1. The STRINGER BEAD is formed by traveling with the gun in a straight line while keeping the
wire and nozzle centered over the weld joint. This is the easiest type of bead to make.
2. The WEAVE BEAD is used when you want to deposit metal over a wider space than would be
possible with a stringer bead. It is made by weaving from side to side while moving with the
gun. It is best to hesitate momentarily at each side before weaving back the other way.
As the coating on the outside of the electrode burns off, it forms an envelope of protective gasses
around the weld. This prevents air from reaching the molten metal and creating an undesirable
chemical reaction. The burning coating, however, forms slag. Slag formation appears as an
accumulation of dirty metal scale on the finished weld. The slag should be removed with a welding
hammer or chisel, after it is cooled.
WARNING: Peening the slag from a weld joint causes small chips of metal to fly through
the air. Metallic chips flying through the air can cause eye injury or injury to other parts of the
head, hands or exposed portions of the body. Wear eye glasses with side shields and protect the
hands and other exposed parts of the body with protective garments or if possible work with a
shield between the body and the workpiece.
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