Longevity STICKWELD 140 - Manual (Page 19)

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(welding over slag would cause inclusions in the weld).
In the photograph the rod has been bent at the electrode holder to position the holder at a
more comfortable angle.
It's OK to support the top of the electrode with your spare hand and this improves control
of the electrode. Electric shocks aren't a problem, but be careful to reposition your hand
away from the heat before the electrode gets too short.
Arc Length
The arc length is the distance between the electrode and the weld pool. It should be
roughly the same as the diameter of the rod.
This is nowhere near as straightforward as it sounds!
To achieve the correct arc length using 3.2mm rods the distance between the flux coating
on the rod and the flux on top of the weld might be less than 1mm.
The arc length is normally judged by the sound and visible light from the arc.
In the video the arc length is varied between correct, too long, and too short. Both the
intensity of light and the sound of the weld alter dramatically with the length of the arc.
The arc should be kept short and hide the majority of the light from the weld without
pushing the rod into the slag pool. A good short arc length will result in a consistent sharp
crackling sound.
Maintaining Lead Angle and Arc Length
The rod becomes shorter as the weld progresses, and it takes a conscious effort to reduce
the length of the arc as the rod gets shorter. Excess arc length can lead to an unstable arc,
excess heat and undercutting and is probably the most common beginner fault.
The angle of the rod should also be maintained over the length of the weld. A little practice
is required to avoid decreasing the lead angle as the weld progresses, as this can result in
slag inclusions and even cause the arc to stall. The easy way to maintain rod angle is to
focus attention on moving the rod holder rather than the rod as the weld progresses.
Welding Motion
For most arc welding the rod is moved in a straight line to form a "stringer". A tiny amount