Longevity MIGWELD 250 MP - Manual (Page 45)

MIGWELD 250 MP
STICK Welding Tips and Tricks
(Also known as MMA-Manual Metal Arc or Shielded Metal Arc Welding-SMAW)
Connect the Stick torch to the - terminal and Torch Control receptacles.
Connect the ground clamp to the + terminal and clamp the metal to be welded. Reverse the
torch and ground connections for DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive).
DC Stick - Select Stick, DC, desired amps using Base cur knob, Pulse Mode off.
1. Insert electrode into electrode holder. Position the electrode for the most comfortable
position so that the electrode can be held directly over the work piece with a slight angle.
2. Set Amperage to the recommended amperage by the electrode manufacturer. Strike an arc
by swiping it briskly across the work piece in the same manner as one would strike a match.
Alternatively, you may strike an arc with firm tapping motion against the work piece. Either
method is acceptable. An arc should initiate. Continue to keep the arc going by holding the
electrode off the work piece no more than the electrode width.
3. Continue the arc by feeding the electrode into the weld puddle while moving the electrode
forward. This will take some coordination, but will be fairly easy to do after practice. Do not
allow the arc to become too long, because air and slag can become entrapped in the metal. The
sound of a proper arc will be similar to a gentle frying sound. A long arc will emit a humming
sound. An arc that is too short may be extinguished and the electrode may stick to the work
piece. If the electrode sticks, immediately release the electrode from the electrode holder and
break the electrode loose by hand. If the flux breaks off, simply trim off the excess rod until
flux and bare metal meet. A welding rod must have flux to shield the weld from the
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