Arc welding basics for beginners

Welding may seem difficult and intimidating, especially to those unaware of its foundations. Understanding how these tools operate can clear the air and create more confidence in the workplace. This guide will break down the essentials involved in Arc welding so you can begin your welding journey with clear sights and confidence.

The Basics of Arc Welding

Welding is essentially bonding two metals together but arc welding is one of the more common techniques used by welders. Arc welding involves using a high-powered electrical arc to create high heat which melts metals and fuses them once cooled. Arc welding is used in a variety of industries from shipbuilding and construction to automotive building.

Arc welding unlike other methods of welding utilizes electricity to generate heat as opposed to heat from flame.

Setting up the machine and grounding

First up, you’ll need to set up your welding machine. To set up your welding machine determine the situation that you are welding in and adjust the machine’s settings to fine-tune it to the operation at hand. Most machines are sold with a user manual, be sure to read and understand the processes to configure all safely and effectively. When the machine is ready, you will need to attach the ground clamp. The clamp is to directly connect to the welding piece that you’ll be working on of which the aim is to create a grounding point of the circuit. Grounding is the process that allows the circuit to form and creates an electric arc that fuses the metals.  

Placing the electrode

Now that the set-up is complete, and you’re wearing the correct PPE, position the electrode against the workpiece. Depending on the welding type, the electrode might be a stick electrode or a wire fed through a welding gun. Once the machine turns on it will flow through the electrode into the metal.

Forming the electric arc

This is where the magic happens, by lifting the electrode away from the metal piece, roughly 2mm-3mm an electric arc will form. The arc and its intense heat will start melting the metal and the arc creating a weld.

Melting and joining the metals

As the arc continues to melt, it will create a pool of molten metal that forms the bond between the two pieces of metal which will blend before cooling and fusing.

Protecting the metal with shielding gas

At high temperatures when welding, the different gases in the air can mix with the molten metal creating inconsistencies and decreasing the strength of the weld. To prevent this from occuring gases such as argon, helium, and CO2 are supplied through a tank or a coating on the electrode which keeps the weld free of imperfections and strong.

At Gentronics, we offer a wide range of welding, gas, and cutting-related services and products. Based in Welshpool Western Australia, we’re here for all your welding needs from novice to experienced welders. Contact us today to learn more about welding, consultations for products, and or service information about any welding products.