Common Beginner Mistakes | Welding

-
-

I'm going to try to demonstrate some of the most common problems or mistakes that beginning arc welders encounter. One is which the arc will not start, or the arc rod sticks. Neither is cause for panic, and is usually the result of one or two things. Either your voltage is set too low or the rod you're using for the job is too big. A third possibility is that your material is dirty. That is it might be too rusty, painted or, in some other ways, interfering with the electrical contact with the table. Here you can see we have no flow of electricity whatsoever and, therefore, it's impossible to strike an arc. A less common problem, but one you may encounter in any case is that your voltage is set too high or that your rod is too small for the job that you've selected. As you can see here, the rod fails to penetrate. Metal splatters everywhere, and otherwise prevents you from making a good weld. A good rule of thumb is to check your manufacturer's guidelines to see which rod is recommended for what thickness of metal and what range of amperage. Those ranges, high and low, should never be exceeded.

[patrick]

Relax! Don't be so nervous---your videos are great and I'm learning a lot from you! Thanks so much and please keep uploading-great stuff.

[realaussiemale]

No.1 error. Not having the correct UV filter on the camera lens

[chrisjamesfell]

Loved this video, thank you for the information. And to respond to some of the other comments - you don't look nervous at all to me. You look like somebody who (like 90% of the community) typically uses ums and ahs when speaking off the cuff. As I suspect you know, Toastmasters teaches us to break that habit by replacing ums and ahs with pauses. Yes, it's clunky, but it's 10x easier to listen to than something full of ums and ahs. And you just delivered a masterclass in how this should be done. Respect!

[lecobra]

Thank you dude, I was using a 3.2mm rod and set the machine on 115A like it was said on the rod package but I guess my 50€ welding machine is simply not that reliable and precise so I will go up the amp just a bit to see if I'm finally able to weld with it.

[jacksonyoung]

Just learning how to stick weld with my everlast after only mig welding with it all this time. It is so different from what I am used to.

[arisang]

I suggest using a whiteboard with your lines written on it or something to that effect. Thanks for making this video.

[kelliewood]

I know a powerarc welder can burn through surface contamination but clean metal is always the first go to if possible.

[richardsmart]

I don't really like stick welding with my powerarc welder but sometimes stick is the best process to use.

[JKTCreation]

Great video. I'm having same exact sticking weld or weld won't start. I have set the amperage to 122-125A. The rod specification is 3.2mm 6013 60-120A (flat/vertical/overhead). Should I go higher amperage which I haven't tried or what should I do? The surface is not too dirty or rusty, but I will keep it cleaner.

[geeman]

Every thing you say is what is happened to me . I’m trying to weld nuts and bolts. Uk sizes are. 1.6. 2.00. 2.5 try’s the first two, do you recommend 2.5 for thick bolts

[intellectracoon]

thanks for the great video keep it up. you're doing a wonderful job :)

[TheEdifier]

My stick sticks to much. I got to clean my plate better. Beginners Mistake
Thanks

[olsonlr]

Yes sticking is a big problem but so is blowing holes in the metal! HELP

[itsjoseph]

I keep trying to strike an arc but it gets stuck

[unclematt]

I'm just sort of stunned that I'm learning about welding from a professor at Colgate University. After this I think I'll learn about deep frying from a lady at Harvard.

[azaryhaaurilen]

lol @1:17 - 1:23 how not to film welding...

[demonetizedhistory]

Relaxxxx dude your so anxious, this video is so scripted it's funny.

[chiefgwopp]

*Dude Are You Having A Stroke? LoL Just Chill*