How to use a welding machine

How to properly use a welding machine with electrodes?

In a private house, in a country house, in a garage and even in an apartment - everywhere there are many jobs that require metal welding. This need is especially acute during the construction process. Here, especially often, something needs to be cooked or cut off.

And if you can still cut it with a grinder, then there is nothing to reliably connect the metal parts with except welding. And if the construction is carried out with your own hands, then the welding work can be done independently. Especially in places where the beauty of the seam is not required.

We will tell you how to properly weld by welding in this article.

Basics of electric welding

Welded metal joints are the most reliable today: pieces or parts are fused into a single whole. This happens as a result of exposure to high temperatures.

Most modern welding machines use an electric arc to melt metal. It heats the metal in the affected area to the melting temperature, and this happens over a small area.

Since an electric arc is used, welding is called electric arc welding.

This is not a completely correct way of welding)) At a minimum, you need a mask

Types of electric welding

An electric arc can be formed by both direct and alternating current. Welding transformers use alternating current, and inverters use direct current.

Working with a transformer is more complicated: the current is alternating, so the welding arc “jumps”, the device itself is heavy and bulky. The noise that both the arc and the transformer itself makes during operation is also quite annoying.

There is one more problem: the transformer greatly “stresses” the network. Moreover, significant voltage surges are observed. The neighbors are not very happy about this fact, and your household appliances may suffer.

Inverters mainly operate from a 220 V network. At the same time, they are small in size and weight (about 3-8 kilograms), operate quietly, and have almost no effect on voltage.

The neighbors won't even know you started using the welding machine unless they see you. In addition, since the arc is caused by direct current, it does not jump and is easier to stir and control.

So if you decide to learn how to weld metal, start with a welding inverter. Read about choosing an inverter welding machine here.

Welding technology

For an electric arc to occur, two conductive elements with opposite charges are required. One is a metal part, and the second is an electrode.

The electrodes used for manual arc welding consist of a metal core coated with a special protective compound. There are also graphite and carbon non-metallic welding electrodes, but they are used for special work and are unlikely to be useful to a novice welder.

When an electrode and metal of opposite polarity touch, an electric arc occurs. After its appearance, in the place where it is directed, the metal of the part begins to melt. At the same time, the metal of the electrode rod melts, being transferred with the electric arc to the melting zone: the weld pool.

How a weld pool is formed. Without understanding this process, you will not understand how to weld metal correctly (To enlarge the size of the picture, right-click on it)

During the process, the protective coating also burns, partially melting, partially evaporating and releasing a certain amount of hot gases. Gases surround the weld pool, protecting the metal from interaction with oxygen.

Their composition depends on the type of protective coating. The molten slag also coats the metal, also helping to maintain its temperature.

To weld properly, you must ensure that the slag covers the weld pool.

The weld is formed by moving the bath. And it moves when the electrode moves. This is the whole secret of welding: you need to move the electrode at a certain speed. It is also important, depending on the required type of connection, to correctly select its angle of inclination and current parameters.

As the metal cools, a slag crust forms on it - the result of the combustion of protective gases. It also protects the metal from contact with oxygen in the air. After cooling, it is beaten with a hammer. In this case, hot fragments fly away, so eye protection is required (wear special glasses).

You can read about how to make a barbecue out of a cylinder or barrel here. Just get some practice.

How to learn to cook by welding

It all starts with preparing the workplace. Safety when working with electric welding must be given increased attention: there is a possibility of injury from both electricity and high temperatures. Therefore, take your preparation seriously.

It is more convenient to learn to weld with electric welding on a thick piece of metal: it is better to practice on it. In addition to it and the welding machine, you will need gaiters (thick gloves) and a welder’s mask.

You also need thick clothing that protects the entire body, and durable shoes with thick leather. They must withstand sparks and scale. You will also need a hammer and a wire brush to knock off the slag.

You will need glasses to protect your eyes.

How to connect the electrode

It will be easier for beginners to carry out welding work if they take a universal electrode with a diameter of 3 mm (3.2 mm, to be precise). They are more expensive, but easier to work with. After you learn how to weld metal, you can try using cheaper ones, but it’s better to start with these.

The electrode is inserted into a holder attached to one of the welding cables. There are two types of clamps - spring and screw.

If the electrode holder is spring-loaded, press the button on the handle and insert the electrode into the socket that appears. When screw clamped, the handle rotates. Unscrew it, insert the electrode and clamp it.

There are two outputs on a DC welder: positive and negative. There are also two welding cables:

one ends with a metal clamp-retainer - it is connected to the part;
the other is a holder for the electrode.

Which polarity to connect for welding depends on the type of work. If we talk about inverters, then more often the plus is connected to the part, and the minus is supplied to the electrode. This connection option is called direct polarity. But there is a list of works in which reverse polarity is applied: minus to the part, plus to the electrode (for example, for welding stainless steel).

Direct and reverse polarity of connection on the welding inverter

Straight polarity provides better heating of the metal, which is necessary for most connections. This is explained by the fact that electrons move from the negatively charged pole - with straight polarity, this is the electrode - to the positive - part. At the same time, they additionally transfer their energy to the metal, increasing its temperature.

We figured out how to connect the electrode to the inverter. Now about how to light an arc. It occurs when there is direct contact between the electrode and the part. There are two ways:

chirping;
tapping.

Everything is clear from the name: in one case, you need to run the electrode along the seam (so that there are no marks left), in the second, you need to hit the part with the tip of the electrode several times.

When the electrode is new, its tip is exposed, ignition occurs easily. If it was already in use, a wall of several millimeters of protective coating would form around the rod. This coating needs to be knocked off by hitting the part with the tip several times.

Both methods of ignition are used, here everyone chooses what is convenient for them. This skill is the first one you will have to master if you want to learn how to use electric welding.

Therefore, you take several electrodes, a thick piece of metal, and try to strike an arc. Once you have succeeded, you can proceed to the next stage of training.

Electrode tilt

The main position of the electrode is tilted slightly towards you - at an angle from 30° to 60° (see figure). The amount of inclination is selected depending on the required weld and the set current. Focus on the condition of the weld pool.

The first position is called the “backward angle.” In this case, the bath and molten slag moves behind the tip of the electrode. Its angle of inclination and speed of movement must be such that the slag has time to cover the molten metal. In this position, we obtain heating of the metal to a greater depth.

Manual arc welding technique: positioning the electrode at an angle forward and at an angle backward

There are situations when the metal does not need to be heated very much. Then the angle of inclination changes to the opposite, the seam and the bathtub “stretch” behind the electrode. In this case, the heating depth is minimal.

Electrode movements

The answer to the question “how to properly weld with electric welding” is simple: you need to control the weld pool. To do this, it is necessary to hold the electrode at a distance of 2-3 mm from the metal surface and control the condition and size of the weld pool. This is where the skill of a welder lies.

What electrodes are needed for inverter welding?

The difficulty lies in the fact that several parameters have to be controlled simultaneously:

move the electrode along one of the trajectories shown in the photo,
as it burns, lower it a little lower, maintaining a constant distance of 2-3 mm;
monitor the size and condition of the weld pool, accelerating or slowing down the movement of the electrode;
follow the direction of the seam.

Source: https://rem-serv.com/kak-pravilno-polzovatsya-svarochnym-apparatom-s-elektrodami/

How to use a welding machine video for beginners

You bought a welding machine and want to learn how to weld with an inverter for beginners.

There is no need to be afraid of difficulties! The inverter machine is easy to use; anyone without experience or knowledge can master the welding process in a short time.

Equipment, equipment, safety precautions

Safety precautions. Welding production is associated with electrical voltage, or in common parlance - current. The current is invisible, but can kill a person.

We check the welding cables for serviceability and connect them to the inverter equipment. Return cable with a clothespin on metal to the negative connector. Cable with electrode holder to connector +. We insert the electrode into the electrode holder.

When connecting the device to the network, visually evaluate the current-carrying cables for serviceability. After making sure that the cables are in good condition, we plug in the plug into the socket and the toggle switch on the device, having previously set the current regulator to the lowest value. If the cooling fan starts working smoothly, without crackling or noise, then everything is fine.

Metal weight. When connecting heavy structures, take precautions. If multi-ton products collapse, they can lead to death or disability.

Equipment. Welding production involves high temperatures. The welder must have:

canvas mittens (gaiters);
robe (special suit);
mask with a light filter;
respirator for work in confined spaces;
boots with rubber soles.

Gaiters are used when welding at heights, when arms are raised up, and mittens in other cases.

welding machine;
hammer;
brush;
electrodes.

Electrodes are selected according to the metal (carbon content, additives) and diameter, depending on the thickness of the metal and the technical characteristics of the inverter.

Inverter Welding Basics

For beginners, experienced welders advise attaching the holder cable to the body, pressing it with the elbow of the arm and wrapping it along the forearm (from the elbow to the hand), and taking the holder in your hand. This way the shoulder joint will pull the cable, and the arm and hand will remain free.

The method will help you manipulate your hand with ease.

Correct placement of the cable on the forearm. You should not work with bare hands.

If you simply take the holder in your hand without wrapping the cable around your forearm, then during the welding process your hand will get tired and wrist movements will cause the cable to dangle. Which will affect the quality of the welded joint.

How to cook using inverter welding correctly? We set the welding current on the machine according to the diameter of the electrode, the type of connection and the welding position. Setup instructions are available on the device and the electrode pack. We take a stable stance, move our elbow away from the body (no pressing), put on a mask and begin the process.

For beginners, it is better to start welding with an inverter with metal workpieces larger than 20 cm.

It is known that a beginner, putting on a mask and lighting an arc, stops breathing, trying to boil the entire length of the workpiece in one breath. With short products, you will develop the habit of cooking in one go. Therefore, practice on long workpieces, learning to breathe properly when welding.

Workpieces (plates) on the work table can be placed in a horizontal plane - vertically towards you or horizontally, it makes no difference.

At the beginning of welding, place the electrode clamped in the holder at an angle of 90 degrees (perpendicular) and move it towards the seam by 30-45 degrees. Light the arc and start moving.

If welding is performed at an angle backwards, then the tilt of 30-45 degrees goes towards the seam.
If the connection occurs at an angle forward, then the electrode is tilted away from the seam.

The distance between the surface to be welded and the electrode is 2-3 mm, imagine that you are running a pencil along a sheet of paper.

Please note that when welding, the electrode decreases as it burns - gradually bring the melting rod closer to the surface at a distance of 2-3 mm and maintain an inclination angle of 30-45 degrees.

Watch a useful video on how to learn how to weld with electric welding for beginners:

How can a beginner learn to weld with a welding inverter?

First we learn to light and hold an arc. Feel the edge when to bring the electrode closer to the surface to be welded during combustion so that the arc does not interrupt.

The electrode is ignited in two ways:

The new electrode ignites easily. A slag film appears on the working rod, preventing ignition. You just need to tap longer to break the film.

To facilitate arc ignition, inverter devices have a built-in Hot Start function.
If a beginner quickly brings the electrode closer to the surface, the Arc Force function (arc force, anti-sticking) is activated, increasing the welding current, preventing the electrode from sticking.
If the melting rod gets stuck, the Anti Stick function cuts off the current, preventing the inverter from overheating.

What is arc force on a welding inverter and how to use it.

It is better for a beginner to first learn on a thread seam; the electrode is held smoothly, without oscillatory movements.

After mastering thread technology, proceed to welding metal with oscillatory movements. Which are used on thick metal for heating, holding the electrode at a certain point using movements - herringbone, zigzags, spiral or your own method.

Types of oscillatory movements

At the beginning of the connection, we carry out several movements from left to right, forming a weld pool and go along the seam making oscillatory movements. The angle of inclination of the electrode is 30-45 degrees. After passing, we beat off the slag with a hammer and clean it with a brush. Take care of your eyes, wear glasses.

Tip: at the end of the weld, make oscillatory movements to the sides and move the electrode towards the deposited metal. This trick will add beauty to the welded joint (get rid of the crater).

how to weld corner joints, butt joints and overlap joints.

single-pass (one pass replenishes the thickness of the metal);
multi-pass.

A single-pass weld is performed on metals up to 3 mm. Multi-pass seams are applied for large metal thicknesses.

Welders check the quality of the seam with a hammer - they strike next to the seam. If the seam is smooth, without irregularities, then after the impact the slag flies off completely, there is nothing for it to catch on. It is important to select the correct temperature regime: an overheated seam (hot) will break, an underheated one - there is a risk of lack of penetration.

The current is selected based on the diameter of the electrode, in theory 30 A per 1 mm of electrode diameter.

Direct and reverse polarity when welding with an inverter

Let's consider polarity when welding with an inverter. With a DC connection, the movement of electrons is constant, which reduces spattering of molten metal. The seam is of high quality and neat.

The device has a choice of polarity. What is polarity is the direction of movement of electrons depending on the connection of cables to equipment connectors.

Reverse polarity when welding with an inverter - minus on the workpiece, plus on the electrode. The current flows from minus to plus (from the workpiece to the electrode). The electrode heats up more. Used for welding thin metals, the risk of burn-through is reduced.
Straight polarity - minus on the electrode, plus on the workpiece. Current moves from the electrode to the workpiece. The metal heats up more than the electrode. Used for welding thick metals from 3 mm and cutting with an inverter.

THIS IS INTERESTING: How to make soldering acid

The polarity is indicated on the pack of electrodes; these instructions will help you correctly connect the wires to the equipment.

Welding thin metal with an inverter

The essence of connecting thin plates comes down to selecting small-diameter electrodes and adjusting the welding current. For example, for metal with a thickness of 0.8 mm, electrodes with a diameter of 1.8 mm are used. The current on the inverter is set to 35 A.

Technology occurs in intermittent movements. Watch a video showing how to join thin plates in detail.

How to cut metal with a welding inverter

To properly burn a hole in a pipe, we set the current on the device to 140 A for a 2.5 mm electrode. We light the electrode, placing it in one place to warm up the metal and press it in. We move the electrode to a new place, warm it up and press it in. Gradually, we cut a hole in the pipe.

Source: https://vi-pole.ru/kak-polzovatsja-svarochnym-apparatom-video-dlja.html

Rules for working with an inverter: how to properly prepare equipment and learn how to weld

In the home, knowing how to operate a welding machine is a huge advantage. In construction or assembling some kind of equipment with your own hands, you simply cannot do without welding joints of metal structures.

At the same time, this skill is mastered by a limited number of people who have undergone special training.

Many people think that only courses can teach useful and important lessons in welding, although in fact this can be achieved by studying theoretical material and constantly honing skills.

Advantages of inverter welding machines

To connect metal structures, you need experience and the welding machine itself. The best option is to use inverter equipment, which is great for working at home. This device is inexpensive and small in size and weight. Small sizes do not affect the quality of welding work. All connections are neat and reliable. craftsman can handle this type of welding .

The design of the inverter welding machine consists of the following elements:

Power supply with filter and special rectifier unit.
The inverter unit is responsible for converting DC voltage into alternating high-frequency current.
A transformer is used to reduce the high-frequency current. It is he who is responsible for safety and prevents equipment overheating.
The power rectifier serves as a means of supplying direct current to the output of the device.
The device is controlled by an electronic unit.

Inverter welding uses various innovative technologies that have helped to significantly reduce the size and weight of the installation. Due to its small size, it is easy to store at home or install in any convenient place while working. The weight of such equipment ranges from 5-15 kg. That is, moving the welding machine will not be difficult.

This device helps to weld any metal structures if you work correctly on an inverter welding machine. Included with the equipment is an instruction manual, which contains a lot of different useful information indicating how to properly weld using inverter welding, choose electrodes depending on the type of metal , etc. Such a brochure will be useful even for experienced specialists.

When purchasing, it is important to pay attention to the presence of instructions in Russian, because using blind welding is difficult, not to mention dangerous. There are cases when equipment is bought second-hand, but the old owners have lost the instructions. Then it is best to find a specialist who will clearly show the main points of welding control. You can’t start testing it on your own without even banal instructions.

Stages of preparation for welding

Finding out how to learn to cook with electric welding is not difficult, but using the acquired skills in practice is more difficult. First of all, it is important to understand that all work is divided into several stages, which include:

selection of inverter and electrodes;
preparation of equipment;
welding work.

Selection of inverter and electrodes

The choice of electrodes has a direct impact on the quality of the result in the welding process. They differ in steel grade, coating, thickness, purpose and mechanical properties. Most often, the instructions describe which electrodes are recommended to be used during the work process, but there may not be such a clause. In this case, it is important to know the basics of their choice.

When choosing electrodes, it is important to pay attention to the wire, which must initially be strong and of high quality. Another important component is the coating, which brings the wire to a red-hot state.

Electrodes must be selected according to the brand and type of metal required for the connection. There are many of them, not to mention situations where two different types of metal are connected.

If there is no clear data, electrodes are selected according to generally accepted recommendations, which are divided into several principles:

carbon electrodes are used when working with medium and low-carbon steel;
For welding alloy steel, only consumables produced in accordance with GOST 9466–75 and 10052–75 are suitable;
For connecting cast iron parts, the OZCH-2 grade is used.

There are several hundred brands of electrodes, which are quite difficult to understand. Therefore, it is recommended to use the advice of specialists when performing welding work. For example, the universal domestic brand UONI, which is widely used in welding. To connect metal structures of low grade, quality and density, electrode brands ANO and MP-3 are used . Read more about ANO-21 in this article.

When choosing a welding inverter for use in the household, it is important to follow several rules:

The maximum current value of the welding machine should be in the range of 160-200 A. It is better to immediately purchase powerful equipment that will allow you to connect metal products with great thickness.
The no-load voltage parameter sometimes exceeds 90 V, but this indicator is not suitable for use in the country. It is better to choose a device with parameters in the range from 50 to 60 V.
Duration of switching on is an important characteristic that shows how long the unit can work without a break. You should not select devices with a maximum or minimum value. It is better to take a middle ground and buy a welding machine with an PV in the range of 40-80%.

It is important to take into account the specifics of the local network. In villages there is a problem with unstable electricity supply, not to mention weak wiring. That is why they select equipment that is capable of operating in a wide range of supply voltage without exposing itself to the risk of shutdown or failure.

It is recommended to provide for a power outage and purchase a device capable of operating from a centralized network and autonomous sources using gasoline or diesel fuel.

Equipment setup

Before you begin welding work, the first thing you need to do is prepare yourself, the equipment and the metal products that will be connected. You should start by preparing special protective clothing. This is an important component when welding, which will help protect against injury. You will need such protective elements as:

welding mask;
gloves;
work clothes.

Gloves, shoes, and overalls must be made of dense and fire-resistant fabrics. During welding, a large number of hot metal fragments come into contact with the human body, which can cause significant damage. A welding helmet is a must-have to protect your eyes and face.

Read this article about what to do if your eye is burned during welding.

The next step is preparing the metal products and checking the electrodes. Steel parts are cleaned with a metal brush from various debris, paint and varnish coating, rust, etc. The electrodes must be selected in advance according to the grade of steel, but it doesn’t hurt to once again make sure of the correct choice of diameter, the appropriate connecting seam and the thickness of the metal parts.

Before connecting the inverter, be sure to check the electrical network and its parameters, which must correspond to the equipment being connected. If the network parameters do not match, then at best the welding will not work, and at worst the wiring will burn out and the equipment will overheat. You can prevent a short circuit if you use a special machine that can stabilize the voltage, or take on the main load.

It is important to prepare the work site. It must be level for stability of inverter welding and well ventilated. The welding machine requires constant air circulation for natural cooling, so an area a few meters away must be cleared. It will be useful to do this also, taking into account the safety of work, because during welding a large number of sparks and particles of hot metal fall onto the floor, which can set fire to clothing or explosive substances.

Having finished preparing the site , electrical network and personal protection, you can proceed to the following steps:

the corresponding power cable and ground cable are connected to the inverter welding connector;
The ground cable is fixed to any metal surface using a special alligator clip;
Welding equipment is connected to the power supply and the appropriate mode is set;
the electrode is clamped.

The consistency and accuracy of all preparatory actions is the basis for safety and successful work before operating a welding machine .

Features of welding work

The first thing a novice welder needs to do is to understand the very principle of connecting a structure, and then it’s just a matter of accurately following all the instructions.

First, you need to light an electric arc between the tip of the electrode and the surface of the part. To do this, the welder applies dotted or scratching movements with the electrode on the part. After several touches, a flash occurs, which indicates that the arc has ignited. In the zone of such action, the metal instantly begins to melt, so it is important to practice the movement and do everything as quickly as possible.

When performing electric arc welding, many specialists are faced with the fact that the electrode simply begins to stick to the surface of the metal. This problem occurs if the technician uses excessive force to press the electrode. All work should proceed easily and smoothly. To weld parts together, minimal contact of the electrode with their surface is required.

During the process, it is important to ensure that the length of the arc matches the diameter of the electrode. That is, hold and melt metal products as smoothly as possible, forming a high-quality weld, but this is not the only requirement.

The quality of the seam is also influenced by the correct choice of polarity when connecting the ground cable and inverter. It is possible to choose the correct polarity only if you accurately determine the steel grade of the workpieces being joined. If there is no such data, then it is better to use straight polarity, which is suitable for most grades of steel.

Reverse polarity connects only rare alloys, thick-plate structures and low-carbon products.

The design of welding equipment includes a wide range of innovative technologies that smoothly and efficiently regulate the current during operation. This greatly simplifies the work and makes it comfortable for novice welders, but why is it sometimes still not possible to achieve an even and high-quality seam? This is due to the movement of the electrodes or incorrect manual adjustment of the current.

When using low current, the seams are narrow and convex, which prevents good joining of parts. Setting a high current splashes the metal on the surface and thereby creates burns that spoil the appearance of the product. A thin and slightly flattened seam is an indicator of rapid advance of the electrode. A thick and blurry seam is evidence of a long advance of the electrode. The correct seam is obtained with the correct choice of current, normal and stable operating speed.

Any person, using general tips and rules, can understand how to weld correctly. There is nothing complicated about this if you follow the technology and properly prepare the equipment, site and special clothing before starting to join metal products. The main thing is to constantly observe safety precautions, and experience will come with practice.

Source: https://obrabotkametalla.info/svarit/pravila-raboty-s-invertorom

How to use the welding machine?

If you have your own welding machine, all the work in your home or country house is done several times faster, but provided that you know how to use this tool. Of course, it’s a little scary to cook for the first time, but having acquired basic initial skills, you will certainly get involved in this process. But in order to proceed directly to welding, you must strictly follow the necessary safety rules and know how to use the welding machine.

Preparing the welding machine for use

Before you start welding, you should keep some points in mind:

it is necessary to fully familiarize yourself with the safety regulations and comply with all its requirements;
before starting welding work, it is necessary to remove absolutely all flammable objects and combustible materials;
It is recommended to carry out work in a well-ventilated area or, preferably, in the open air, since the welding machine gets very hot, especially its front and rear parts, and therefore the unit requires constant air blowing; 4) be sure to prepare primary fire extinguishing agents.

Now you can get to work!

Using a manual arc welding machine using stick electrodes

Welding work with such devices is carried out everywhere. Their use is very common on construction sites. Also, welding machines of this type are used in their work by auto mechanics, gas workers, plumbers and many other specialists. The most important rule of good welding work is experience; it is with its accumulation that the result of your work will improve, and the resulting parts will become more reliable and durable.

Today there is a lot of different literature that provides detailed descriptions of the use of welding machines. Also, each device comes with instructions with a detailed description of the operation, with illustrations and possibly even tables. The main point in any work is the presence of protective clothing, a protective mask and gloves that protect you from metal splashes on your skin or face.

The algorithm for carrying out the welding work itself is quite simple, but it’s worth understanding it well first.

First of all, it is necessary to install and securely secure the grounding clamp on the workpiece so that current can flow freely through the part being welded. Next, select the required electric current mode to work with the existing electrode.

Usually the mode can be viewed in the table on the welding machine itself; the choice most often depends on the diameter of the electrode. Now you can begin the welding process itself.

To begin with, we briefly touch the electrode along a metal pre-prepared workpiece. When performed correctly, each touch is accompanied by a flash of sparks. Next comes the part itself. We perform the same operation with it, but the electrode should now be as far as possible from the metal surface by 3-5mm.

This distance is quite enough to form an electric arc between the electrode and the part itself. The resulting arc will begin to melt the part and wrap the necessary part of it. The most important thing in the welding process with a welding machine of this type is the constant maintenance of the electric arc.

That is, you should make sure that the electric arc does not go out and at the same time does not touch the part, closing the electrical circuit.

In order to produce an even seam during welding from the electrode and the molten metal of the part being welded, the gap between the part and the electrode should be as even as possible throughout the entire process. The main thing to remember is that speed will not lead to quality. Practice on unnecessary metal parts, and with experience the seam will become perfectly straight.

Using a semi-automatic welding machine with semi-automatic welding

First of all, we attach the grounding terminal to the part to be welded. Next, we adjust the wire feed speed, taking into account the thickness and type of metal being welded, and the thickness of the wire itself. Then we turn on the power to the semi-automatic welding machine.

After the device has started working, it is necessary to cut off the excess piece of wire so that there remains a small outlet 3-4 cm from the edge of the holder.

For safety, it is recommended to wear a protective mask, gloves and make sure that there are no flammable objects nearby.

The arc on a semi-automatic machine appears after the trigger is pressed. And to maintain it, you can simply calmly move the holder. If you suddenly notice that the arc is making too much noise, then the problem is the low wire feed speed and it is worth increasing it.

THIS IS INTERESTING: How much does one 3 mm electrode weigh?

And exceeding the required wire feed speed leads to intermittent arc noise, the feeling that the wire is moving faster than the machine and the splashing of hot drops. Correctly set speed is accompanied by a smooth sound, a stable arc and a slight crackling sound.

For an even seam, the gas flow contained in the cylinder must be set correctly, otherwise the welding site will become porous.

The welding machine is used with different power currents, which are usually expressed as percentages that correspond to a 10-minute welding cycle. For example, 60% means that the welding process should last 6 minutes, and the rest state should last 4 minutes. If these cycles are not taken into account, the device can quickly overheat and fail. Usually the devices automatically turn off when they overheat, and sometimes it is necessary to monitor the time.

If you do not yet dare to use a welding machine yourself, then you can use the services of professional welders who will quickly and efficiently perform any welding work you need, using any type of welding machine. But still, welding experience can be very useful in the future. If you don’t have a welding machine at hand, don’t hesitate to ask your friends for help or buy one in special stores. Such a tool should always be at hand.

Source: http://sm-piter.ru/elektroinstrument/svarochnyj-apparat/kak-ispolzovat-svarochnyj-apparat

How to use a welding machine correctly and safely?

To properly understand the question of how to use the welding machine, it is necessary to break it down into several parts.

First of all, you need to understand the basic principles of using any type of welding machine.
Next, you need to learn how to use a manual arc welder.
The third point will be to understand the operation of a semi-automatic welding machine.

Before you start working with the welding machine, carefully read the instructions, otherwise, if handled incorrectly, it may harm your health.

Having studied and mastered all three points, we can speak of knowledge of this issue at a sufficient level.

General principles of operation of a welding machine

It is possible to start working with welding equipment only after:

The welding area must be cleared of combustible and flammable materials.

You have sufficiently understood the material in this manual, all of its safety requirements and recommendations for use.
The work area is properly prepared, freed from any flammable materials, as well as anything that could interfere with safe operation of the unit.
The room in which welding will take place has good ventilation and is sufficiently ventilated.
All necessary fire extinguishing means are within access.

Only then can you be sure that you will be able to carry out this work effectively and safely.

Working with an arc welding machine

Welding work is required always and everywhere, their demand is constantly high, but at the same time the requirements for the quality of work do not decrease at all.

Without suitable experience and skills, it is simply impossible to reliably and efficiently weld the required metal elements.

Manual arc welding technology.

The most common method is the manual arc welding method, also called piece welding.
In order to learn all the secrets of cooking, you need to undergo specialized training or at least read specialized literature. If you decide to master this area of skills, then you need to develop clear and reliable reactions and skill algorithms.

This is necessary, first of all, for your own safety, and only secondarily for the quality of work.
We begin our introduction by studying safety precautions.

For a welder, it begins with the appropriate equipment - a special uniform (this includes a jacket and pants made of thick fabric that can protect against sparks and drops of hot metal coming into contact with the skin) and a welder’s protective mask with a shade of at least 10 units, which reliably protects the eyes from exposure to powerful ultraviolet radiation from an electric arc.

Welding work requires grounding terminals.

To carry out welding work, you will need the following equipment: a welding inverter, grounding terminals, an electrode holder, the electrodes themselves of the desired type and those metal elements that need to be connected. Now let’s move on to the welding itself.

The equipment required for welding metal includes clamps with wires that are needed to ensure grounding of the metal being welded; this clamp is simply attached to the workpiece. The welding inverter must be set to the electric current supply mode that is suitable for the type of electrode available.

The choice of electrode is a very important point; always try to choose specialized models. Each metal, type of surface, type of work and their volume has its own special electrodes, and replacing them with the first ones you come across will, at best, complicate your work, and at worst, completely ruin the workpiece.

Those parts of metal parts that need to be joined must be cleaned with a metal brush or a grinding disc.

The part to be joined must be securely fixed, preferably in a special vice.

Electrode welding technique.

We begin the main process. Gently move the electrode over the metal surface; the touch is light and brief. If the inverter is configured correctly and everything is connected in the proper order, then a fountain of sparks will appear. After this, proceed to welding. Bring the tool to the welding point, touch it until sparks appear and move the electrode 3 mm; an electric arc should appear between the tip of the electrode and the part, which cannot be confused with anything.

Your task is to prevent this little sun from going out, and to do this you must maintain the specified distance; the slightest deviation will lead to the loss of the electric arc. Slowly draw an arc along the line of the required connection of metal parts; a neat seam of hot metal should form at the junction. Conduct training on unnecessary metal parts, using various scrap metal.

And only after you are confident in your abilities can you move on to the actual elements and structures that need to be welded.

Everything is quite simple, and anyone can perform all these steps quite easily, and experience is gained.

Working with a semi-automatic welding machine

Diagram of a semi-automatic welding machine.

Working with a semi-automatic welding machine requires slightly different skills and experience, but there are general requirements.

As with a device with piece elements, the metal elements being processed need to be grounded; for this, a clamp is also connected to them.
When adjusting the mode regulator, adjust the wire feed speed and the power of the unit based on the parameters of the wire itself and the metal elements.
Connect the welding machine.
Adjust the inserted wire so that it protrudes no more than 3 mm beyond the edge of the holder. Or simply trim off the excess length.
If you have put on the appropriate robe and mask, then get to work.
Start the device and move the emerging electric arc along the desired location exactly and at the same distance.
If the electric arc is excessively noisy and melted lumps form at the end of the wire, this means that you have incorrectly adjusted the wire feed speed and you need to increase it. And if the arc noise is intermittent, the metal scatters in hot drops, then this is an indicator, on the contrary, that the feed speed is too high; it is necessary to adjust it downward. An indicator of normal wire speed is a smooth and constant sound of the arc, with slight crackling. Check the location of the weld; if it is porous and loose, then you need to add gas.

The current supply power is adjusted according to the table located on the device body; check it and select the parameters you need. Power is shown as the percentage of operation of the device within a 10-minute welding cycle. That is, if the level is 70%, this means that you can work for 7 minutes, and the device should cool down for 3 minutes.

If the load on the device is very high, above the specified cycle, it will heat up, and after some time the automatic protection will turn off the device. After this, you will have to take a break until all components of the device have cooled down to a safe level. Although it is better not to allow it to turn off due to overheating, this will harm the device.

After finishing welding, do not forget to examine the seam to see how even, tight it is, and whether there are any tears or porosity. Tap it lightly with a hammer to remove slag and clean it with a wire brush.

That's all the basic secrets of welding.

Source: https://moyakovka.ru/instrumenty/kak-polzovatsya-svarochnym-apparatom.html

> Electrician tips > How to use a welding machine

Almost all repair work requires the use of a welding machine. The reliability of connections and the service life of metal objects depend on the quality of welding work.

When carrying out welding work, it is mandatory to use a protective mask.

In order to perform welding with your own hands correctly, you must have a clear understanding of the process, procedure and safety precautions (use protective devices). Also, a beginner should start learning with theory - use a tutorial or video instructions. With the help of a video, you can learn how to weld metal for a beginner.

Stages of preparation before work:

studying safety requirements and instructions for power tools;
preparing the workplace (it is necessary to remove flammable objects, open windows, remove foreign objects from aisles);
check functionality and leave fire extinguishing equipment in close proximity to the workplace.

To safely carry out work with your own hands, you need to purchase a protective mask, clothing, gloves and other protective equipment. A properly selected mask should cover the face and neck, and protective clothing should cover the skin completely.

Using a Welding Machine

To carry out work with your own hands, a person must have the necessary knowledge of safety precautions and device operation, as well as be able to apply them correctly. The video shows how to weld metal with a semi-automatic machine.

What you need to know:

basics of welding production;
design features, operating modes of the model of the apparatus that will be used for welding.

What a welder should be able to do:

select welding machines and consumables (type and number of electrodes) for each purpose;
be able to prepare equipment and working surfaces of welded parts;
weld metal efficiently;
correctly apply theory and experience to obtain smooth seams.

The correct choice of equipment and high-quality materials improves the quality of work and reduces repair time.

Purpose and varieties

Welding work for beginners

The devices are designed for arc welding with consumable electrodes. Welding is carried out by moving the electrode manually.

The semi-automatic welding machine contains a mechanism that automatically feeds the wire (consumable element) to the surfaces being welded.

Advantages of semi-automatic welding:

high labor productivity;
high quality welds;
low susceptibility to corrosion of welded surfaces;
Possibility of welding thin metals.

Semi-automatic welding units:

rectifier - to convert current;
burner;
kit for connecting to the electrical network (extension cord and plug);
sets of welding cables - with holders, clamps (for connecting the semi-automatic power source to the surfaces to be welded);
consumable element supply mechanism;
shielding gas cylinder;
a sleeve for connecting the device to a cylinder with inert gas;
control unit – for setting welding modes.

Types of semi-automatic machines according to the method of weld protection:

In inert gases (argon, helium, etc.). The most common type.
Cored wire. It is a subtype of welding in inert gases.
Under a layer of flux. Rarely used.

Based on the type of layout, a distinction is made between single-body models, with all the parts placed in one structure, and double-body models, when the rectified current source with the control unit is placed in one body, and the wire feeder in another. According to the method of installation at the workplace - stationary (not moved during work) and mobile, equipped with wheels or a chassis.

According to the nature of the supplied current, they are divided into single-phase and three-phase, and according to the shape of the current - pulsating, pulsed, constant.

Source: https://jelectro.ru/sovety/polzovatsya-svarochnym-apparatom.html

How to use a welding machine?

Welding technology has been known to mankind relatively recently, but at the same time, working with a welding machine has made a real revolution in technology, construction and production. Modern technological devices are presented in a wide range, which provide basic and auxiliary functionality for the operation of the equipment, and you can find out exactly how to use the welding machine, but before that you need to remember some rules before you start working:

Before starting work with work equipment, the welder must study the device in detail, as well as the safety precautions for welding work.
The welder's workplace must be completely free of objects and things that tend to ignite or pose a direct threat to working with technological equipment.

It is necessary to clean the work area before welding

The room must have a high level of ventilation and be ventilated under certain operating conditions of the equipment.
Before you understand how to cook with a welding machine, affordable and effective fire extinguishing means should be located within walking distance.

Application of welding machine

Before starting work, a working equipment specialist must know and be able to know all the rules for using equipment and how to properly weld with a welding machine using various metal and plastic materials. The master must know some nuances:

Technological bases of production of welding technology.
The structural part of the equipment, the regime settings of the welding operation, with the help of which the technological main part of the work will be carried out.

The production work schedule for a welder provides for the following operations:

For each specific job, the appropriate model of equipment is selected, as well as consumables (electrodes by type and quantity).
It is necessary to be able to correctly ensure the workflow of the entire welding technology and surface treatment of welded parts.
Competent and correct application of the theory of how to operate a welding machine to create smooth and perfect seams.

Remember, a master can provide decent quality of work if the welding machine is selected correctly and the theoretical part of the production work is implemented in practice.

Getting started with the welding machine

Categories of welding equipment and their purpose

For arc welding, special devices with consumable electrodes are used. The process of working with a working apparatus involves manual movement of electrodes, which are the main technological tool for carrying out production work.

Consumable electrode welding

The main advantages of semi-automatic machines

Semi-automatic equipment remains the priority equipment for those who want to know how to learn how to weld with a welding inverter, while the positive aspects of such equipment are as follows:

High efficiency in terms of labor productivity.
The welds have a perfectly smooth surface.
The surfaces to be welded must not be subject to corrosion.
Welding of metals with thin dimensional thickness data is allowed.

Source: https://svarkaipayka.ru/oborudovanie/svarochnie-apparaty/kak-polzovatsya-svarochnyim-apparatom.html

How to cook with a welding machine correctly

In this article we will look at 4 main parts:

How to use a welding machine (basic principles).
How to properly weld with a welding transformer for manual stick arc welding (MMA).
How to weld correctly with a welding inverter.
How to properly cook with a semi-automatic welding machine.

Before you begin, ensure that:• You have read and understood all safety requirements in this manual.• All flammable materials and containers are removed from the welding area.• The work area is well ventilated, especially at the front and rear of the machine.

• Suitable fire extinguishing equipment is available in an accessible location.

How to properly weld with a manual arc welding machine (MMA)

welding is extremely common nowadays. However, in order to perform them correctly, appropriate skills are required. And the need to gain this experience is very relevant, since the durability and reliability of the connection of individual parts of various metal objects, including forged elements, depends on how well the welding work is performed.

Currently, in order to learn how to properly weld with a welding machine, you can use special literature. In addition, there are courses for welding training. When mastering the rules of how to carry out welding work yourself, it is necessary to have a fairly clear understanding of the algorithm for their implementation and safety precautions.

THIS IS INTERESTING: Electrodes, what are they?

There are many practical articles on the questions “how to cook”, “how to weld” this or that, see the section “How to cook”

First of all, obviously, you need to start by studying the safety rules. It starts with knowing how to select special clothing and protective equipment for welding work.

The most important item, of course, is a protective mask or welding shield. The mask should be as reliable as possible and protect the retina of the eyes from the radiation of the electric arc.

You will also need a protective jacket and trousers to protect your clothing from damage from sparks that are generated during welding work.

Next, you need to move on to studying the actual algorithm for performing welding work. First, you need to install a ground clamp on the part to be welded.

Then the electric current mode is selected in accordance with the type of electrode and its diameter.

Next, you can try the process itself. First you need to run the electrode along the metal workpiece. The contact should be brief and, if everything is normal with the electrical circuit, result in a flash of sparks. And then you need to bring the electrode to the part, do the same procedure and move it away to a distance of 3-5 mm. This is enough for an electric arc to arise between the electrode and the part being welded.

The most difficult thing is to hold the electric arc and not let it go out by allowing too large or small a gap between the surface to be welded and the electrode. In this case, you need to weld the metal of the part and the electrode together into one whole in the form of a neat weld. You can practice on any unnecessary metal products.

And only when it works, you can move on to welding the real parts.

A short video where a self-taught amateur shares his experience with beginners:

And one more video about where to start learning to cook.

You may also find it helpful to review the following resources:

Welding seams
Welding technique
How to cook a vertical seam

How to weld correctly with a welding inverter

To view this topic, please go here.

How to cook correctly with a semi-automatic welding machine

1. Connect the ground terminal to the metal being welded.
2. Set the power and wire feed speed using the mode controls, in accordance with the type and thickness of the metal and wire.
3. Connect the device and turn it on.
4. Cut off the excess wire, leaving 3 mm from the end of the holder.
5. Keep a protective mask in front of your eyes.
6. Press the trigger and when the arc appears, slowly move the holder in the desired direction.
7. If the arc makes noise and leaves clumps at the end of the wire, the wire feed speed is insufficient and must be increased. If the arc produces an intermittent noise and the wire seems to be running ahead of the welding speed and metal droplets are spattering, the wire feed speed is too fast. When the speed is set correctly, the sound of the arc becomes smooth, stable with crackling sounds. If the welding site is porous, this means that the gas flow is insufficient and must be increased.
8. Check the installed power of the device according to the table located on the case.

The device can be configured for different power output current (expressed in %).

The percentage is expressed in a 10 minute welding cycle, for example 60% means a welding time of 6 minutes, a rest time of 4 minutes.

If the machine is used beyond the welding cycle, the temperature of the components increases and overheating occurs. In this case, the built-in thermal protection turns off the device. If this happens, let the device cool down. The thermal protection will switch off automatically after a short cooling period and you can then continue working.

More details about semi-automatic welding >>>

Source: https://kovka-svarka.net/2011/06/kak-pravilno-varit-svarochnym-apparatom/

How to learn how to weld correctly: types of welding machines and detailed instructions - SibNovStroy

In this article we will look at 4 main parts:

How to use a welding machine (basic principles).
How to properly weld with a welding transformer for manual stick arc welding (MMA).
How to weld correctly with a welding inverter.
How to properly cook with a semi-automatic welding machine.

How to cook with a welding machine correctly

Before you begin, make sure that: • You have read and understood all safety requirements in this manual. • All flammable materials and containers are removed from the welding site. • The work area is well ventilated, especially on the front and back sides of the machine.

Suitable fire extinguishing equipment is available and accessible.

How to use a welding machine correctly - Machine tools, welding, metalworking

Arc welding is a method of joining two or more materials using an electrical heat source. This article provides simple, practical advice on how to use welding and become a pro at it.

Arc welding is a method of joining two or more materials using an electrical heat source. While there are many different welding processes, we'll talk about Manual Arc Welding (MAW) , also known as stick welding.

The American abbreviation is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) , the European abbreviation is Manual Metal Arc (MMA) .

Stick welding is one of the most common and versatile forms of welding, and it's a relatively easy way to add a touch of professionalism and ruggedness to your DIY home projects.

Part 1 of 3: Preparing for work

We collect the necessary materials. We will need: a welding machine, an electrode holder, a ground clamp (ground terminal), electrodes, and the metal to be welded. You will also need a hammer to get rid of the slag and a wire brush to clean the welds.

Take care of safety precautions. This includes having a welding helmet (shade rating #10 or higher), a welding jacket or cotton sweater, uncuffed pants, work boots, gloves and safety glasses.

!!! DO NOT WEAR: Sneakers, frayed or torn clothing, cuffed pants, a T-shirt, a shirt with open pockets, or an undershirt while welding.

Prepare a place for welding work. Remove all flammable materials and ensure that the surface on which the metal to be welded will rest is relatively flat. Although you can attach the ground clamp directly to the part, most welders have a large metal workbench or welding table, in which case the ground clamp attaches to it.

!!! If there are other people at the welding site, then you need to make a device in the form of welding curtains around the workplace. This will protect others from exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Set up your welding machine. Most welding machines have a convenient system for adjusting the welding current. Many welders use a welding current level between 90-120 amps, although this value must be adjusted based on the thickness of the metal and the diameter of the electrode.

Use the correct electrodes. Each type of electrode has special characteristics and, as a rule, is intended to solve specific welding problems. Depending on the amount of work to be done, the type of surfaces to be welded and the density of the material, the correct selection of suitable welding electrodes is of paramount importance.

They are produced in various types, specially designed for a particular type of operation. There are so-called general-purpose electrodes that can be suitable for almost any type of basic work - these are MP-3 welding electrodes.

Moreover, they are guaranteed to ensure a strong grip on the surfaces being welded, even if they have rust, various types of contamination, or the metal is in a wet state. In addition, this type of electrode is characterized by a high marketability of the resulting welding seams, their high strength and ease of the work process itself.

Another type of electrode often used in everyday life is UONI welding electrodes. They are distinguished by the ability to be used when processing fundamental structures, constructing high-strength seams, as well as working with “thick” metals.

You must select the appropriate electrode for AC or DC welding depending on your welding machine. Make sure the electrodes are dry. When choosing welding electrodes, the properties of the material being welded and technical welding parameters should be taken into account.

!!! Never use chlorinated solvent; the welder may be harmed by the reaction when heated.

Just because a metal is shiny does not mean it is clean. Use a hard sanding disc to remove the dross and get to the bare metal.

Use clamps, vices or clamps to ensure that workpieces are held securely and that the weld is of good quality.

Part 2 of 3: Starting Welding

“Ignition” of the welding arc. This is achieved by lightly hitting the metal and quickly moving it upward or by striking the electrode against the metal, like a match. When the arc is ignited and burns steadily, a closed electrical circuit is formed, the elements of which are: electrode, metal, welding wires and internal elements of the welding machine.

!!! The latest chameleon welding helmets allow you to see the part clearly until the welding arc is lit, and then automatically darken to protect your eyes from UV rays. Some old or cheap helmets use simple tinted lenses or glass, and this leads to discomfort when welding because... you need to constantly lower/raise the mask.

Formation of a weld pool. When the arc is stable and burning steadily, you need to start moving the electrode to create a weld pool, which solidifies to form a weld and a strong bond between the parts.

Under the influence of the temperature of the electric arc, the metal of the electrode melts and welds, filling the recess that was formed under the influence of the arc on the metal.

To create a good weld pool, you should hold the electrode where you started welding for a second or two before moving it further.

!!! The size of the arc gap should be from 2 to 6 millimeters from the tip of the electrode to the metal. This gap must be maintained unchanged. If the arc gap becomes too wide, it results in excessive metal spatter.

Start creating a weld pool in the metal. The electrode must be held in relation to the metal at an angle of 90 degrees. Do not move the electrode too quickly; As a general guide, you can use the rule: “per centimeter of electrode - centimeter of welding seam.” The electrode can be moved either in a straight line or using various patterns.

!!! It is important to maintain a constant arc length, or the distance from the electrode tip to the metal. This may not be entirely easy at first since the electrode is constantly getting smaller.

Try to keep the speed of the electrode and the arc length stable.

Part 3 of 3: Completing the Welding Job

End of welding. Remove the electrode from the metal and give it a few seconds to cool. The metal will still be very hot, but it should no longer be red and hot.

Clean the metal from any slag left over from the welding process. During welding, the slag protects the hot metal from harmful impurities. Use a hammer to knock the slag off the weld. Use a wire brush to clean the weld. Try to remove as much weld debris as possible, especially if you are going to make another pass.

Let the metal cool. If you just practice and practice, metal immersed in water will cool faster. Cooling in water will make the weld brittle, so the weld seam must be cooled naturally for normal operation of the parts being welded.

Tips for Beginner Welders

Learn about four position welding. These are: lower, horizontal, vertical and ceiling positions;

If you know an experienced welder, ask him to evaluate your welding work and examine the finished weld. He will be able to tell you a lot about what you are doing wrong and where you can improve;
the lower position (it is the most common) is used mainly when welding simple elements and in cases where there are no special requirements for the quality of the connection. The surfaces to be welded are located horizontally, the position of the electrode is vertical;
Find welding courses in your area. There you will learn much more about welding than this article can teach you.

How to weld aluminum with an inverter

Warnings

Intense and bright light can damage your eyes. “Catching bunnies” is extremely unpleasant and painful. Radiation from the welding arc can cause swelling of the eyes. Severe or repeated burns can cause blindness.
The welding arc is a powerful stream of UV rays. Prolonged exposure to these rays, as with sunlight, can cause skin cancer.
Do not look at the arc without special masks or protective curtains designed for welding. For welding, these units require at least a shade rating of #9 or darker. The higher the welding current you use, the higher the darkness of the lenses you will need. Low-shade masks are suitable for chopping and cutting. All people's eyes are different. Therefore, what suits one person may not be enough for someone else.
Always keep a fire extinguisher, bucket of water, sand, garden hose, or something on hand to put out fires.
Most electric welders need to monitor the work cycle. This means that if welding is carried out for longer than the time recommended by the manufacturer of the welding machine, it can lead to damage to the equipment. Modern welding machines have protection against overheating. The smallest, cheapest welding machines have a duty cycle of 20% of the duty cycle. PT is a measure of how hard you can work the machine within 10 minutes. If the machine has a duty cycle of 20%, then the welder can weld for 2 minutes out of 10 minutes. For the remaining 8 minutes, the device will cool down. The higher the PV, the longer you can cook continuously. For large machines this figure reaches up to 60% of the operating cycle. This means that 6 minutes out of 10 minutes can be used for welding and 4 minutes for cooling.
Welding machines are not dangerous as long as you read all warnings and take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. Do not weld if there is anything nearby that could catch fire. Do not weld metals that contain flammable materials, such as fuel tanks.

Source: https://stanki-info.com/kak-pravilno-polzovatsya-svarochnym-apparatom/

Training must begin with safety rules

When welding metals, temperatures reach thousands of degrees. In the absence of the necessary protective equipment, a novice welder can receive very serious injuries.

For this reason, the following protective equipment must be used before work:

welding helmet (it covers the entire head from the front side, and not just the eyes);
overalls (clothing that does not catch fire from hot metal splashes);
mittens.

After all protective equipment has been purchased, you can proceed to studying the principle of operation of the welding machine.

Preparation of equipment for welding work

Initially, it is necessary to install a grounding clamp on the part to which other metal parts (structural elements, etc.) will be welded.

Based on the type of electrode purchased in advance, the required electric current mode is set on the control panel of the device.

Next, test ignition of the electric arc should be carried out. If, after touching the electrode to the part being welded, a sheaf of sparks appears, then the device is configured correctly and is completely ready for welding work.

Now the welder must bring the electrode to the weld and ignite the electric arc. After this, it is necessary to remove the electrode a short distance from the surface (no more than 5 mm).

In this case, the electric arc must be maintained. It is she who welds two mating metal parts. For a beginner, the arc constantly goes out. Due to constant ignition, the weld is uneven and not strong enough.

But experience will solve this problem. If you are a beginner, practice on simple parts first and only then move on to complex projects.

Source: http://stroybud.com/kak-polzovatsya-svarochnyim-apparatom/