Longevity ARCMATE 205 - Manual (Page 32)

160/205 MIG Welder/ARC Welder
Page 31 of 37
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STICK/ARC Welding
(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 atmosphere or the weld will fail.
4. Use the Current control to change arc qualities. Adjust the amperage according to the
recommendations of the electrode (welding rod) manufacturer for the type and size of the electrode used.
Experimentation will be required to find the optimal setting desired. It is an excellent tool for out of
position welding.
5. Electrode selection. Electrodes are usually given performance and characteristic ratings using a system
of letters and numbers determined by the American Welding Society (AWS). The rating system includes
the minimum tensile strength of the finished weld, the weld position (flat, vertical, horizontal, or overhead