Basics of Stick Welding and the Welding Process
Thursday, November 20th, 2008Stick welding is a process that uses a covered electrode that is also called a stick. The full name for Welding is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) and is more widely used than many other methods of welding.
This works by melting the flux that covers the electrode as the welder welds a work-piece. As this process continues it forms gas and slag and these two things shield the arc and the weld pool of molten metal. What happens when the piece is finally all welded together, there is slag that the welder must chip off. The flux also adds scavengers, deoxidizers and other types of alloy elements to the metal during the weld.
There are many advantages of using this method. First of all this is one of the most inexpensive ways to weld because the equipment is easy to use, portable and inexpensive. You don’t have to worry about regulating the flux because the electrode does the regulating of the flux. This method is also less susceptible to wind and drafts than other methods, especially the welding processes that are gas shielded. No matter what position you find yourself in when welding, you can use this method in just about any position.
The Stick welding process overview shows that this process is used more than any other form of arc welding. It is also versatile, flexible and used by a wider variety of individual. As an example, you can use this method to make small repairs around your home, you can repair equipment and it is used in the erection of still and other commercial types of joining metal.