5º - 45º
figure 6 - Weld Angle
NOTE: Weld bead
width (W) should be
approximately twice
the diameter for the
electrode rod used .
Normal Amps,
Arc Length,
Speed
Amperage Too Low
Amperage Too High
figure 7 - Weld Appearance
Welding Guidelines
(Continued)
Work angle is the angle from
horizontal, measured at right angles to
the line of welding .
For most applications, a 45º travel
angle and 45º work angle is sufficient .
For specific applications, consult an arc
Travel Angle
welding handbook .
NOTE: Right handed welders should
weld from left to right . Left handed
welders should weld from right to left .
The electrode should always point into
the weld puddle as shown .
ARC LENGTH
Arc length is the distance from the
Work Angle
work piece to the tip of the electrode,
the distance which the arc must travel .
A proper arc length is essential to
generate the heat needed for welding
(See Figure 7) . An arc that is too long
produces an unstable arc, reduces
penetration, increases spatter, and
causes flat and wide beads . Too short
W
Arc Length Too Short
11
an arc does not create enough heat to
melt the work piece, the electrode has
a tendency to stick, penetration will be
poor, and uneven beads with irregular
ripples result . A proper arc should be no
longer than the diameter of the rod .
The sound of a proper arc is a steady,
crisp sizzle, similar to bacon frying .
TRAVEL SpEED
The travel speed is the rate at which
the electrode is moved across the weld
area (See Figure 7) . When the speed is
too fast, the bead is narrow and bead
ripples are pointed as shown . When the
speed is to slow, the weld metal piles
up and the bead is high and wide . To
control travel speed, watch the width
of the weld bead (not the arc) when
welding . The weld bead is the orange,
molten metal behind the arc . The width
should be approximately twice the
diameter of the welding rod . Control
travel speed to obtain a consistent bead
width .
Work Piece
Speed Too Fast
Speed Too Slow
Arc Length Too Long
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