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WELDING PITFALLS

The arc welding technique is an acquired skill and requires considerable

practice before perfect results are obtained. The diagrams below will help to

explain the pitfalls in your technique and how to overcome them.

ARC TOO SHORT

This causes irregular masses of weld to be deposited, with

slag contamination on an uneven surface.

ARC TOO LONG

This causes poor penetration resulting in a weak weld with

excessive spatter and porosity. Surface of the weld is rough

and the arc makes a hissing sound

ELECTRODE MOVED TOO SLOWLY

This causes a very wide and heavy deposit which overlaps

at the sides. It is wasteful both in terms of time and electrode

use.

ELECTRODE MOVED TOO QUICKLY

This causes poor penetration with a ‘stringy’ and incomplete

weld deposit. Slag is very hard to remove.

CURRENT TOO LOW

This causes poor penetration and causes the electrode to

stick to the workpiece too readily. Also results in a very

irregular and high weld deposit. Slag is very hard to remove.

CURRENT TOO HIGH

This causes excessive penetration with spatter and deep

pointed crater. It may also cause holes to be burned in the

workpiece.

Burns electrodes very quickly.

THE PERFECT WELD

With the correct combination of arc length, current

regulation, inclination and speed of the electrode, you will,

with practice, produce the perfect weld.

This should be regular with uniform ripples and no slag

contamination. The arc will make a steady crackling sound.