Mma Welding Techniques; A Word For Beginners; The Welder; Striking The Arc - Weldclass Weldforce 210MST Operating Instructions Manual

12.7 MMA Welding Techniques

12.7.1 A Word for Beginners

For those who have not yet done any welding, the simplest way to commence is to run beads on a piece
of scrap plate. Use mild steel plate about 6.0mm thick and a 3.2mm electrode.
Clean any paint, loose scale or grease off the plate and set it firmly on the work bench so that welding
can be carried out in the down hand position. Make sure that the Work Lead/Clamp is making good
electrical contact with the work, either directly or through the work table. For light gauge material,
always clamp the work lead directly to the job, otherwise a poor circuit will probably result.

12.7.2 The Welder

Place yourself in a comfortable position before beginning to weld. Get a seat of suitable height and do
as much work as possible sitting down. Don't hold your body tense. A taut attitude of mind and a tensed
body will soon make you feel tired. Relax and you will find that the job becomes much easier. You can
add much to your peace of mind by wearing a leather apron and gauntlets. You won't be worrying then
about being burnt or sparks setting alight to your clothes.
Place the work so that the direction of welding is across, rather than to or from, your body. The electrode
holder lead should be clear of any obstruction so that you can move your arm freely along as the
electrode burns down. If the lead is slung over your shoulder, it allows greater freedom of movement
and takes a lot of weight off your hand. Be sure the insulation on your cable and electrode holder is not
faulty; otherwise you are risking an electric shock.

12.7.3 Striking the Arc

Practice this on a piece of scrap plate before going on to more exacting work.
You may at first experience difficulty due to the tip of the electrode "sticking" to the work piece. This is
caused by making too heavy a contact with the work and failing to withdraw the electrode quickly
enough. A low amperage will accentuate it. This freezing on of the tip may be overcome by scratching
the electrode along the plate surface in the same way as a match is struck.
Another difficulty you may meet is the tendency, after the arc is struck, to withdraw the electrode so far
that the arc is broken again. A little practice will soon remedy both of these faults.
Figure 54
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