Welding Rod

To achieve great results when performing stick welding, it is important to use the correct stick welding rods. Choice of welding rods is dictated by a number of factors, prime among them being the metals that are to be welded and the type of current to be used. Failure to choose the right consumables for a stick welding jobs will lead to disappointment as the weld formed might be substandard or a complete mess.

Stick welding rods come in various sizes. While stick welding is ideal for thick metals, it can also be used for sheets thin in size. Stick welding can be carried out on metals with gauges as low as 18 in which case you would require welding rods which are 1/16” in diameter. For welding slightly thicker material, welding rods with a diameter of 1/18” or more could be used.

In deciding on the stick welding rods to use, the welder is guided by the recommendations issued by the rods’ manufacturers on the type of current to use. Some stick welding rods will only use Alternating Current (AC) while others will only use Direct Current (DC). Stick welding machines are made to use either AC or DC and the welder decides which welding rods to use by observing the instructions issued by the rods’ manufacturer. Instructions on the current on which a welding rod runs will be indicated on the rods’ packaging.

Relationship between metal type and stick welding rods

The type of metal to be welded also plays a part in determining the stick welding rods to use. When the metal to be welded is thick, it follows naturally that a lot of heat will be required. Manufacturers of welding rods provide charts which show the welder the specific stick welding rods that will be needed for each task.

While selection of the correct type of stick welding rods is critical for the attainment of a quality weld, it is important that the rest of the equipment used is up to standard and is used correctly. When operating a stick welding machine, it is important to strictly observe the duty cycle that you are supposed to observe.

The duty cycle indicates the percentage amount of time that the machine can be used for welding in a ten-minute period. Where, for example, the duty cycle is indicated as 40%, it means that the welding machine can only run continuously for four minutes after which it should be left to cool off for six minutes before welding can continue. Failure to observe such instructions will damage your welding machine and interfere with the quality of the weld regardless of the efforts put in obtaining the correct kind of stick welding rods.

Equally important is the welder’s ability to observe proper safety measures. A stick welder is exposed to extreme heat which could easily cause injuries unless proper welding gear is used. To safeguard against possible injuries, choice of correct headgear – such as a helmet – is recommended as well as clothing to protect the rest of the body as well as the eyes.