Welding 1 Tasks

What does CLAMS have to do with welding?

Its just an easy way to remember the variables that you need to be thinking about while you are learning to weld.

C is for Current. Is your amperage right for the size and type of rod you are using...and for the thickness of metal and position you are welding?

L is for Length of arc. A long arc is usually bad. Voltage changes with arc length...it lowers when the arc is tight and raises when the arc becomes greater. For padding beads and most other stick welding, Set the amperage to where the rod does not stick when you hold a tight arc...then ...Hold a tight arc.

A is for Angle of electrode. Angle is pretty forgiving on flat welding. Angle becomes more important when you weld horizontal, vertical and overhead. A very slight drag angle works for most conditions but while you are padding beads, its a good ideas to experiment and see for yourself what effects the angle of the rod has on the weld beads.

M is for Manipulation of electrode. With some rods like the 6010, a whip and pause motion is used. But for 7018 and several other rods, the only manipulation is a steady drag.