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Arc Welding

Using an electrical power source a welding electrode is melted onto the base metal that you are welding. The electrical arc that is produced is so hot it will melt the welding rod and also the base metal, forming a strong secure weld.

This form of welding has been around for years and years. It is the most basic form of electric arc welding.

From small DIY home hobby arc welding machines right up to large three phase industrial units. The arc welder has earned a reputation for versability and durability throughout the world. They are used on just about evey farm to repair tractors and farm machinery. Qualified welders and boilermakers use the arc welder to repair pipe lines.

And the average person uses arc welding machines to make basic repairs, and projects around the house.

1. Electricity, either AC or DC.

Most arc welding machines are DC output. Plug it into the wall socket (120v AC, 220-240v AC) and the electricity goes through a transformer, and the electricity is "transformed" into a DC output.

Chances are the small arc welding machine you have a home in the shed will be a DC output.

2. You need an electrode to burn.

The electrode is what melts down into molten metal and fuses to the base metal that you are welding.

3. And you need to make a basic electrical circuit.

Clamp the earth lead to the base metal, touch the electrode to base metal to complete the circuit.

When the welding rod touches the "earthed" base metal to be welded. The electrode will arc up generating high amounts of heat. This heat will melt the electrode itself, and also the base metal.

As the electrode melts in the arc the molen metal will attach itself to the base metal, forming a weld deposit.

Now, you can't just grab a bit of fencing wire and hook it up as an electrode and weld. It will not work.

Why?....

All welding electrodes have what is called a flux coating on the outside of the rod. This flux coating burns and creates a "shield" to keep unwanted gases out.

Unwanted gases are in the air we breath. This is why the techincal name for arc welding is (SMAW) Shielded Metal Arc Welding.

Shielded Metal- the metal rod shielded with the flux. Arc welding- electrical arc from electricity.

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