Manual Metal Arc welding

This method is often referred to as 'Stick' welding; information on this method is given in the document below.

MMA welding.pdf

Things to remember:

The stick is the 'electrode' and an arc is formed between it and the metal to be welded.

The stick is coated in flux which creates a protective gas shield as it melts.

The middle of the stick melts to form the filler for the weld

Because the stick melts as it welds there is a limit to how long a weld can be.

Mostly used for steels but can weld cast iron

Good for thick metal and also effective on dirty metal.

Stages for MMA (Stick) Welding

  1. Before starting, make sure that the material to be welded is clean, degreased, rust free and that any paint is removed. MMA is pretty tolerant of dirt and rust but the best welds will be with clean metal.

  2. Make sure that the parts to be welded are secured properly in place with clamps. Once you start welding, if the parts slip then you will have fixed them together in the wrong place.

  3. Make sure you have the correct size of welding rod for the work and that the machine is set to the correct amperage for the thickness of material. If the amperage is too high it will burn straight through the metal, if it is too low it will not fuse the parts together properly and leave a weak weld.

  4. To start the weld you need to strike against the metal until you see a spark. At this point you need to pull away just enough to hold the arc. If you leave it to close then the rod fuses to the material, too far and you will get lots of spatter and loose the arc. Starting the weld is especially tricky since you can't see where you are holding the rod through the welding helmet!

  5. Keep the arc moving slowly and steadily along the path of the weld. If you wobble too much or go back on yourself you will end up with slag trapped in your weld.

  6. Once you have completed the weld you can pull the stick away and stop the arc. You will now see the weld covered in a layer of slag. This needs to be chipped away (goggles) to reveal your perfect weld beneath....