Firepower MST 180i Operating Manual page 64

Firepower MST 180i
Open Square Butt
Joint
Gap varies from
1/16" (1.6mm) to 3/16" (4.8mm)
depending on plate thickness
Single Vee Butt Joint
Lap Joint
Fillet Joint
Corner Weld
Plug Weld
Art # A-10367
Arc Welding Technique - A Word to 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 1/4" (6.4mm) thick and a 1/8"(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 downhand position. Make sure that the work
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.
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.
BASIC WELDING GUIDE
Single Vee Butt Joint
Not less than
Double Vee Butt Joint
45°
(Fillet both sides of the
Figure 4-19: Typical Joint Designs for Arc Welding
4-10
1.6mm (1/16")
1/16" (1.6mm)
Tee Joints
joint)
Edge Joint
Plug Weld
Not less than
70°
1/16" (1.6mm) max
Not less than
70°
1/16" (1.6mm) max
Manual 0-5339