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How to cook arc welding. The basics of welding: how to learn how to weld metal

A welding seam is one of the most reliable ways to connect parts. It is used in industry and in normal daily life. Every home master uses welding from time to time. It’s good if he knows how to cook himself, but often you have to turn to specialists. But welding can be learned. You should start with the simplest: electric welding for beginners is, first of all, learning how to make various seams. More complex work can be done only with experience. Let's look at the basics of technology and some tricks of the welding process, as well as the equipment and materials used.

Types of welding machines

To choose the right welding machine, it is necessary to take into account all the pros and cons of various types and models of welders.

transformers- the simplest and most traditional devices, rather heavy in weight, made on the basis of a step-down transformer, which brings the voltage to the required value for operation. The peculiarity of transformers is to work on alternating current, which creates an unstable arc. In combination with an increased amount of slag and gas impurities, such an arc contributes to metal spatter and spoils the appearance of the seam. A high-quality seam with such an apparatus can be made by an experienced welder with skills in working on a transformer.

A simple apparatus that runs on alternating current

Rectifiers- welders who can convert alternating current to direct current and lower the mains voltage using semiconductor diodes. Direct current gives a stable arc and allows you to make the welding seam uniform and tight, strong and beautiful. The rectifier is universal, all types of electrodes are suitable for it, all types of metals can be welded with such an apparatus: stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, various alloys.

Universal welding machine, suitable for all types of electrodes

inverters- very popular, as they are lightweight, excellent functionality, automated settings. Such technical characteristics allow beginners to work on it. The design of the device includes a number of blocks that convert the alternating current of the network into a high-power direct current. The advantage of this type of welder is:

  • the possibility of precise settings;
  • performance of a wide range of tasks;
  • stable arc;
  • resistance to power surges;
  • high quality welding, smooth seam;
  • work with all types of electrodes;
  • connection of all types of metals of any thickness and position in space.
  • has additional functions that prevent sticking of the electrode and separation drops;
  • the possibility of ignition of the electrode at maximum current supply;

Of the minuses can be noted:

  • the need for frequent cleaning from dust;
  • limited cable length of 2.5 m;
  • inability to work at air temperatures below -15 degrees.

The inverter is suitable for novice welders

Semiautomatic - are of two types. The former increase the productivity of welding work due to continuous wire feed. In this case, it is not necessary to constantly change the electrodes. The seam is smooth, continuous and without defects. The latter work in a gaseous environment, for this they use oxygen, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, as well as argon and helium. Gas welding has the following advantages:

  • one apparatus designed to work with both gas and wire;
  • excellent quality and aesthetics of the seam;
  • stable smooth arc;
  • high functionality;
  • the ability to weld complex joints.

With this device, you can make a high-quality weld

What does a beginner welder need to work

First of all, you need to prepare equipment and overalls.

Tools and means of protection

You will definitely need a welding machine, a set of electrodes, a hammer and a chisel for churning slag, a metal brush for cleaning the seams. The electric holder is used to clamp, hold the electrode and supply current to it. You also need a set of templates to check the dimensions of the seam. The electrode diameter is selected depending on the thickness of the metal sheet. Don't forget about protection. We are preparing a welding mask with a special light filter that does not transmit infrared rays and protects the eyes. Screens and shields perform the same function. A canvas suit consisting of a long-sleeved jacket and smooth trousers without lapels, leather or felted shoes to protect against metal splashes and gloves or mittens, canvas or suede with an overlap on the sleeves. Such tight, closed clothing prevents the welder from getting molten metal on the body.

There are special protective equipment that are used to work at heights and inside metal objects, when working in a prone position. In such cases, you will need dielectric boots, a helmet, gloves, a rug, knee pads, armrests, and for high-altitude welding you need a safety belt with straps.


Which electrodes to choose

Electrodes come in a variety of types and brands. This is due to the need to select the metal of the parts to be joined and the same metal of the electrode.

Each electrode has a marking that gives the welder all the necessary information. Learning to read labels is easy.

Special markings on the electrodes

Often, they are covered with various coatings on top, which give the electrodes the properties necessary for welding different metals and working conditions. Here is a table of classification of electrodes by types of coatings and application features.

Special coating gives the electrodes special properties necessary for welding different metals

The classification of electrodes by type and purpose is reflected in the product labeling.

Electrodes differ in types and purpose

Types of welds

Connecting welds are subdivided according to location, strength, technology, and design features. Types of seam arrangement:

  • Lower. The simplest and most convenient, due to gravity, the metal fills the gap between the parts. This is the most durable and economical seam.
  • Horizontal. The workpieces are perpendicular to the electrode and the seam runs horizontally. Part of the metal leaves the welding zone and the electrode is consumed faster.
  • Vertical. In this case, the workpieces are also perpendicular to the electrode, but the seam is formed vertically. The molten metal tends to go down, the consumption of the electrode is significant.
  • Inclined. The movement of the welder's hand is inclined. Used for corner and tee joints.
  • Ceiling seam is located above the master.

Structural division:

  • Butt. The butt joint is quite strong and economical, it does not distort the joint surface. This is a universal connection.
  • Overlap weld parts when there is not enough space for a butt weld. The thickness of the blanks should not be more than 8-10 mm.
  • It is recommended to weld the fillet weld on both sides, while the workpieces are located at an angle to each other. This seam is not easy to perform due to the increase in the heat-affected zone and the high consumption of the electrode.
  • A tee weld is a fillet weld where the planes of the parts are welded perpendicularly. The seam is formed on both sides, it is quite complicated.
  • The seam for electric rivets is used when there is no need for a sealed seam, it is the most economical and inconspicuous.

Welding can be carried out both in one layer and in several layers for thick workpieces.

How to learn to cook by welding - a guide for beginners

Welding is a high temperature process. For its implementation, an electric arc is formed and held from the electrode to the workpiece to be welded. Under its influence, the base material and the metal rod of the electrode are melted. As experts say, a weld pool is formed, the base and electrode metal are mixed in it. The size of the resulting pool directly depends on the selected welding mode, spatial position, arc speed, shape and size of the edge, etc. On average, its width is 8-15 mm, length 10-30 mm and depth - about 6 mm.

The coating of the electrode, the so-called coating, during melting forms a special gas zone in the region of the arc and above the bath. It displaces all air from the welding area and prevents the molten metal from interacting with oxygen. In addition, it contains pairs of both base and electrode metals. Slag is formed over the seam, which also prevents the interaction of the melt with air, which adversely affects the quality of welding. After the gradual removal of the electric arc, the metal begins to crystallize and a seam is formed that unites the parts to be welded. On top of it is a protective layer of slag, which is subsequently removed.

During the welding process, the electrode coating melts, forming a special gas zone. Inside it, the base metal and electrode are mixed.

It is best for beginner welders to get their first experience under the guidance of a specialist who can correct possible mistakes and give useful advice. Get to work should be securely fastening the part. For fire safety, you need to put a bucket of water near you. For the same reason, you must not perform welding work on a wooden base and carelessly treat even very small remnants of the used electrode.

Connecting the welding machine

For welding to work safely, you need to connect the machine to the network, observing the following rules:

  • First you need to check the voltage and frequency of the current. This data must be the same on the network and on the device.
  • We set the calculated value of the current power on the welding machine, which should correspond to the selected electrode diameter. If the welder's settings block allows you to select the voltage, you need to set it immediately. The connection is made through a special plug and a grounding lug.
  • We securely fasten the "grounding" clamp. We check that the cable is insulated and neatly tucked into a special holder.
  • Be sure to check all connections, cables, plugs.
  • You can use a special extension cord that connects without intermediate connections.
  • In older houses with weak wiring, voltage drops are possible. It stops the work process and can damage the welding equipment. In this case, you need an electric generator that will provide voltage at the operating level.

The welding machine is simple

How to choose the right current

Welding current is an important indicator of welding and determines the type and nature of the seam and performance. The higher the current, the more stable the arc and the greater the depth of penetration. The current strength depends on the location of the blanks in space and on the size of the electrode. The highest value is set for welding horizontal workpieces. For vertical joints, the current value is applied less by 15%, and for ceiling joints - by 20%.

The current strength depends on the location of the workpieces and on the size of the electrode

How to light an arc

The first way is touch. To do this, we set the electrode at an angle of about 60 ° relative to the product. Slowly draw them across the surface. Sparks should appear, now we touch the metal with the electrode and raise it to a height of no more than 5 mm.

If the operation was performed correctly, the arc will ignite. A five-millimeter gap must be maintained throughout the welding. It should be borne in mind that with proper welding of metal by electric welding, the electrode will gradually burn out, so we constantly bring it slightly closer to the metal. Move the electrode slowly, if it suddenly sticks, you will have to slightly swing it to the side. If the arc does not ignite, it may be necessary to increase the current.

The second way is scratching. You need to bring the electrode to the surface of the workpiece and strike it over the part, as if lighting a match. It is possible to facilitate the ignition of the electrode by tapping the coating from its edge.

Tilt and movement of the electrode

After it turns out to ignite and maintain the arc without any problems, it's time to move on to welding the bead. We ignite the arc, slowly and smoothly move the electrode horizontally, performing light oscillatory movements with it. At the same time, the molten metal seems to be “raked up” to the very center of the arc. The result should be a strong weld with small waves formed by the deposited metal.

The angle of inclination of the electrode for a novice welder is better to keep about 70 degrees, that is, with a slight deviation from the vertical. Below is a diagram of arc welding.

The angle of the electrode is about 70 degrees

If during the process of welding parts the electrode burned out almost completely, and the seam is not yet completed, we temporarily stop the work. We change the used element to a new one, remove the slag and continue to work. At a distance of about 12 mm from the recess formed at the end of the seam, which is also called a crater, we ignite the arc. We bring the electrode to the recess so that an alloy is formed from the metal of the old and newly installed electrode, after which the welding of the seam continues.

During welding, the electrode makes certain movements, mainly translational, longitudinal and transverse. Various types of seams are made up of their combinations, the most common are shown in the diagram.

The trajectory of the arc movement in the process of welding parts can be carried out in three directions:

  • Translational. Assumes the movement of the arc along the axis of the electrode. Thus, it is quite easy to maintain a stable arc length.
  • Longitudinal. Forms a thread welding roller, the height of which depends on the speed at which the electrode moves and its thickness. This is a regular seam, but very thin. To fix it, in the process of moving the electrode along the welded seam, transverse movements are also performed.
  • Transverse. Allows you to get the desired width of the seam. It is carried out by oscillatory movements. Their width is selected based on the size and position of the seam, the shape of its cutting, etc.

In practice, all three basic movements are used, which overlap one another and form a certain trajectory. There are classic options, but each master usually has his own handwriting. The main thing is that in the course of work the edges of the elements to be joined are well melted, and a seam of a given shape is obtained.

As a rule, all three directions are applied, they can overlap each other and form a trajectory

Making welds

Ceiling weld

This seam is considered the most difficult, as the weld pool is turned upside down and located above the welder. The electrode is chosen no more than 4 mm and taken a little to the side so that the metal does not spread. Use a short arc and completely dry electrodes, the seam for overhead welding should be thin. The movement takes place on itself, so it is easier for the welder to control the quality of the seam. There are several ways to do it:

  • ladder;
  • crescent;
  • backwards.

Ceiling seam is considered the most difficult

Video: ceiling seam

Vertical

When making such a seam, you can lead the electrode from top to bottom or from bottom to top. To prevent the metal from dripping, the electrode should be tilted 45-50 degrees down from the perpendicular position. Experienced welders recommend doing this seam in one pass.

When performing a vertical seam, the electrode is located at an angle of 45-50 degrees

Video: vertical seam

23.03

Making a horizontal seam

When making such a seam, the main difficulty lies in the flow of metal down. To solve this problem, the welder must adjust the electrode angle and travel speed. Welding is carried out from left to right or right to left.

When performing a horizontal seam, you need to choose the right angle of inclination of the electrode and the speed of passage

Angular

When forming fillet or tee welds, the parts are placed at different angles in a boat so that the molten metal flows into the corner. Then they are welded on both sides, one edge of the structure should be slightly higher than the other. The movement of the electrode starts from the bottom point.

In fillet welding, the movement of the electrode starts from the bottom point

Features of pipeline welding

Electric arc welding can make a vertical seam, which is located on the side of the pipe, horizontal - along its circumference. As well as the ceiling and bottom, located, respectively, above and below. Moreover, the latter is considered the most convenient to perform. Steel pipes are usually butt-welded with mandatory penetration of all edges along the height of the walls. To reduce the influx inside the pipe, the angle of inclination of the electrode is chosen not more than 45 ° relative to the horizontal. Seam height - 2-3 mm, width - 6-8 mm. When welding with an overlap, the height of the seam is about 3 mm, and the width is 6-8 mm.

Before starting to weld a pipe by electric welding, we carry out preparatory work:

  • thoroughly clean the part;
  • if the ends of the pipe are deformed, cut or straighten them;
  • clean up the edges. We clean at least 10 mm of the outer and inner plane adjacent to the edges of the pipe to a metallic sheen.

Now you can start welding. All joints are processed continuously, up to complete welding. Rotary, as well as non-rotatable joints of pipes with a wall width of up to 6 mm, are made in at least 2 layers. With a wall width of 6-12 mm - three layers are performed, more than 19 mm - four. The peculiarity of pipe welding is that each seam that is applied to the joint must be cleaned of slag, after which the next one is performed. The first seam is the most responsible. It should completely melt all edges and dullness. It is especially closely examined for the detection of cracks. If they are present, they are smelted or cut down and the fragment is brewed again.

The final layer is made as even as possible with a smooth transition to the base metal

The second and all subsequent layers are performed while slowly turning the pipe. The end and beginning of all layers must be shifted relative to the previous layer by 15-30 mm. The final layer is made with a smooth transition to the base metal and with a flat surface. In order to improve the quality of pipe welding by electric welding, each subsequent layer is carried out in the opposite direction relative to the previous one, and their closing points must be spaced apart.

Self-welding is a rather complicated undertaking. However, if you wish, you can still master it. You need to learn the basic rules of the process and gradually learn how to perform the simplest exercises. No need to spare time and effort to master the basics, which will become the basis of mastery. Subsequently, it will be possible to safely move on to more complex techniques, honing your skills.

You can get the specialty of a welder after 2 years of study at a vocational technical school or college, in extreme cases, you can take courses. For those who do not want to do this professionally, but simply want to skillfully perform welds, the following selection of common welds will help.

Welding tools

The purchase of the necessary equipment is an important preparation for the successful implementation of welding seams. The main device for their creation is a welding machine. Its variations can work both from direct and from alternating current. When working on a welding machine, you need to purchase electrodes.

If electric arc welding is used, then the electrodes move in one direction at direct current, which is determined in accordance with the polarity.

There are several welding machines:

  • Transformer . With it, the electricity supplied by the network is converted into alternating current, which is necessary for the welding process. If you choose a cheap option, you can get a heavy device, which will be difficult to transport, as well as a high arc constancy and voltage loss during operation.
  • Rectifier . It converts AC power to DC for welding. It has almost the same disadvantages and advantages as the previous device. But the quality of the seams after its application is much better, as it keeps the stability of the arc.
  • inverter . Provides constant current and voltage for welding. This compact device, which provides for smooth current adjustment, differs from its counterparts in fast response and easy ignition.

Welding inverters of the new generation are superior in accuracy to transformers, generators and rectifiers previously used for welding, polarity can be set independently on them. Beginners are recommended to master welding with inverters.


The successful use of these devices depends on the correct concept of polarity. If direct polarity is selected, then the wire with "minus" goes to the electrode, and with "plus" - to the "ground" terminal. With reverse polarity, everything will be done the other way around.

The welding machine is supplied with current through wires with quick-detachable terminals. The conductors must be made of copper and insulated, they conduct current, and the synthetic film functions as a separator.

Electrodes for metal welding are made of welding wire. But for cast iron, a filler wire with a graphite rod is used. Cast iron, unlike steel, is a very brittle material and must be welded using a cold method. When performing welding, it is necessary to constantly monitor the heating of its surface, otherwise cracks may occur. The seam is not made in one piece, but in fits and starts with obligatory forging.

Basics of a beginner welder

Mastering the welding business begins with training sessions on unnecessary pieces of metal. It is better to stock up on a container of water, if suddenly a fire occurs due to inexperience, then it will be possible to quickly eliminate the fire. At the first steps, you need to be careful and vigilant, even if a small spark bounces, this will be enough to start a fire:
  • On the selected device, the cable insulation is checked, the correctness of its filling into the holder.
  • The desired current value is set, focusing on the diameter of the electrode.
  • An arc is ignited, which is set at an inclination of 60-70 degrees and slowly drawn along the surface to be welded. The part is touched with an arc when sparks come from the electrode. Between the arc and the electrode during the welding process, a distance of 5 mm must be observed. During operation, the electrodes will burn out. If the electrode sticks to the metal during movement, it must be swung to the side.
  • The arc may not appear the first time, then the current increases so that an arc of a constant length of 5 mm is obtained.
  • When you manage to ignite it, you need to try to weld the roller, trying to collect the molten metal to the center of the arc.
After such a training, it will be possible to proceed to welding 2 parts of the metal.

Correct execution of a vertical weld (video)

The following video demonstrates how to perform a vertical seam on thin metal, the thickness of which is only 2 mm.
Korean electrodes with a diameter of 2.6 mm are used for welding. Usually such seams are made at an angle forward, but since a profile is used on which a small gap is made, the work will be perpendicular or with a slight counter slope. To compare the seams, first half of the gap is welded at 45 amperes, and then they switch to 60 and 70. Through the light filter, it can be seen that welding is carried out from the bottom of the profile. The result is 2 stitches. As you can see, at 70 amps, it turns out to be smoother and more accurate.

How to cook a ceiling seam with electric welding? (video)

This type of welding seam is performed on the example of thin plates, for which UONI electrodes with a basic coating are used.
Here are the welding instructions:
  • The first movement of the electrode is done in a “herringbone”, while small oscillatory movements must be performed. When cooking the ceiling seam, a current of 85 amperes is applied, it is performed without interruption. Another option for such a seam is to move the electrode slightly back and then forward.
  • After welding all the plates, they proceed to the implementation of a semi-ceiling fillet weld, which is carried out starting with a small seam and a return, and then the same herringbone is used, performed at an angle back. For the fillet weld, you need to set a stronger current of 90 amperes. It is possible to perform fillet welding by the second method, using back and forth movements.
  • The last seams are carried out on the lap joint of the plates. This is a semi-ceiling joint. Due to the thinness of the top plate, the herringbone motion should be performed smoothly in small increments, without driving the electrode hard on it to avoid undermining. Movements on one seam can be combined. The current remains the same - at 90 amperes.
The first seam obtained by the herringbone method does not have any defects. The second seam with a run forward looks more neat, although it has small pores at the beginning. Fillet welds, although done in two different ways, look neat and almost the same.

On the overlap seam, it can be seen that when performing wide movements with the electrode, undercuts are formed due to thin platinum. At the beginning of the seams, there are pores that arose as a result of poor cleaning of the metal.

Video tutorial for making welds for beginners

The ability to weld seams is characterized by their beauty and quality. To fulfill these requirements, you need to have certain skills. They can only be acquired with experience. And for beginner self-taught welders, there is no better tool than a professional video, in which it is laid out on the shelves how to weld seams correctly and reliably.
The gap between the pipes is 2 mm. Melting through the pipe will be carried out with a pull-off using rutile-coated electrodes. Welding is carried out at an angle back, pointwise without tearing off the electrode, in the same place until a bead is formed. The actual current in the device will be approximately 110 amperes. The welding progress is shown through a filter and in daylight. Before making a seam, the electrode needs to be bent a little to make it more convenient to cook. When considering a seam made with a light filter after beating off the slag, it is clear that it forms an even influx, only in the place of the lock the author of the video strengthens it with an additional drop.

The main condition for obtaining beautiful turning seams is the use of a suitable welding method and the location of the arc.


After purchasing the necessary tool and correctly performing the preparatory work, you can independently perform the seams given in the article. And the correctness of their creation can be controlled by comparison with the examples presented in video tutorials from welding professionals.

A welding seam is one of the most reliable ways to connect parts. It is used in industry and in normal daily life. Every home master uses welding from time to time. It’s good if he knows how to cook himself, but often you have to turn to specialists. But welding can be learned. You should start with the simplest: electric welding for beginners is, first of all, learning how to make various seams. More complex work can be done only with experience. Let's look at the basics of technology and some tricks of the welding process.

Where to start - preparatory stage

First of all, you need to prepare the equipment. You will definitely need a welding machine, a set of electrodes, a slag hammer and a brush. The electrode diameter is selected depending on the thickness of the metal sheet. Don't forget about protection. We prepare a welding mask with a special light filter, thick clothes with long sleeves and gloves, preferably suede. You will also need a welding rectifier, transformer or inverter - devices that convert alternating current into direct current necessary for welding.


Before work, it is necessary to prepare protective equipment, which includes a special mask with a light filter, suede gloves and long-sleeved clothing, as well as the necessary tools

Welding process technology

Welding is a high temperature process. For its implementation, an electric arc is formed and held from the electrode to the workpiece to be welded. Under its influence, the base material and the metal rod of the electrode are melted. As experts say, a weld pool is formed, the base and electrode metal are mixed in it. The size of the resulting pool directly depends on the selected welding mode, spatial position, arc speed, shape and size of the edge, etc. On average, its width is 8-15 mm, length 10-30 mm and depth - about 6 mm.

The coating of the electrode, the so-called coating, during melting forms a special gas zone in the region of the arc and above the bath. It displaces all air from the welding area and prevents the molten metal from interacting with oxygen. In addition, it contains pairs of both base and electrode metals. Slag is formed over the seam, which also prevents the interaction of the melt with air, which adversely affects the quality of welding. After the gradual removal of the electric arc, the metal begins to crystallize and a seam is formed that unites the parts to be welded. On top of it is a protective layer of slag, which is subsequently removed.


During the welding process, the electrode coating melts, forming a special gas zone. Inside it, the base metal and electrode are mixed.

The basics of arc welding

In the recommendations on how to cook by electric welding, special attention is paid to the beginning of the process. It is best to get the first welding experience under the guidance of a specialist who can correct possible errors and give useful advice. Get to work should be securely fastening the part. For fire safety, you need to put a bucket of water near you. For the same reason, you must not perform welding work on a wooden base and carelessly treat even very small remnants of the used electrode.

We securely fasten the "grounding" clamp. We check that the cable is insulated and neatly tucked into a special holder. We set the calculated value of the current power on the welding machine, which should correspond to the selected electrode diameter. We light the arc. To do this, we set the electrode at an angle of about 60 ° relative to the product. Slowly draw them across the surface. Sparks should appear, now we touch the metal with the electrode and raise it to a height of no more than 5 mm.

If the operation was performed correctly, the arc will ignite. A five-millimeter gap must be maintained throughout the welding. It should be borne in mind that with proper welding of metal by electric welding, the electrode will gradually burn out, so we constantly bring it slightly closer to the metal. Move the electrode slowly, if it suddenly sticks, you will have to slightly swing it to the side. If the arc does not ignite, it may be necessary to increase the current.

After it turns out to ignite and maintain the arc without any problems, it's time to move on to welding the bead. We ignite the arc, slowly and smoothly move the electrode horizontally, performing light oscillatory movements with it. At the same time, the molten metal seems to be “raked up” to the very center of the arc. The result should be a strong weld with small waves formed by the deposited metal.

If during the process of welding parts the electrode burned out almost completely, and the seam is not yet completed, we temporarily stop the work. We change the used element to a new one, remove the slag and continue to work. At a distance of about 12 mm from the recess formed at the end of the seam, which is also called a crater, we ignite the arc. We bring the electrode to the recess so that an alloy is formed from the metal of the old and newly installed electrode, after which the welding of the seam continues.


During welding, the electrode makes certain movements, mainly translational, longitudinal and transverse. Various types of seams are made up of their combinations, the most common are shown in the diagram.

The trajectory of the arc movement in the process of welding parts can be carried out in three directions:

  • Translational. Assumes the movement of the arc along the axis of the electrode. Thus, it is quite easy to maintain a stable arc length.
  • Longitudinal. Forms a thread welding roller, the height of which depends on the speed at which the electrode moves and its thickness. This is a regular seam, but very thin. To fix it, in the process of moving the electrode along the welded seam, transverse movements are also performed.
  • Transverse. Allows you to get the desired width of the seam. It is carried out by oscillatory movements. Their width is selected based on the size and position of the seam, the shape of its cutting, etc.

In practice, all three basic movements are used, which overlap one another and form a certain trajectory. There are classic options, but each master usually has his own handwriting. The main thing is that in the course of work the edges of the elements to be joined are well melted, and a seam of a given shape is obtained.

Features of pipeline welding

Electric arc welding can make a vertical seam, which is located on the side of the pipe, horizontal - along its circumference. As well as the ceiling and bottom, located, respectively, above and below. Moreover, the latter is considered the most convenient to perform. Steel pipes are usually butt-welded with mandatory penetration of all edges along the height of the walls. To reduce the influx inside the pipe, the angle of inclination of the electrode is chosen not more than 45 ° relative to the horizontal. Seam height - 2-3 mm, width - 6-8 mm. When welding with an overlap, the height of the seam is about 3 mm, and the width is 6-8 mm.

Before starting to weld a pipe by electric welding, we carry out preparatory work:

  • Thoroughly clean the item.
  • If the ends of the pipe are deformed, cut or straighten them.
  • We clean the edges. We clean at least 10 mm of the outer and inner plane adjacent to the edges of the pipe to a metallic sheen.

Now you can start welding. All joints are processed continuously, up to complete welding. Rotary, as well as non-rotatable joints of pipes with a wall width of up to 6 mm, are made in at least 2 layers. With a wall width of 6-12 mm - three layers are performed, more than 19 mm - four. The peculiarity of pipe welding is that each seam that is applied to the joint must be cleaned of slag, after which the next one is performed. The first seam is the most responsible. It should completely melt all edges and dullness. It is especially closely examined for the detection of cracks. If they are present, they are smelted or cut down and the fragment is brewed again.


The final layer is made as even as possible with a smooth transition to the base metal

The second and all subsequent layers are performed while slowly turning the pipe. The end and beginning of all layers must be shifted relative to the previous layer by 15-30 mm. The final layer is made with a smooth transition to the base metal and with a flat surface. In order to improve the quality of pipe welding by electric welding, each subsequent layer is carried out in the opposite direction relative to the previous one, and their closing points must be spaced apart.

Self-welding is a rather complicated undertaking. However, if you wish, you can still master it. You need to learn the basic rules of the process and gradually learn how to perform the simplest exercises. No need to spare time and effort to master the basics, which will become the basis of mastery. Subsequently, it will be possible to safely move on to more complex techniques, honing your skills.

Electric arc welding is a method of connecting metal parts, in which the parts to be joined are melted by an arc discharge in the zone of their contact, followed by solidification and the formation of a permanent connection. The source of heat for arc welding is a welding arc - an electric stable discharge in an ionized mixture of vapors of materials and gases, characterized by high current density and high (4500-6000 ° C) temperature, exceeding the melting point of all known metals.

The structure of the welding arc

To create an electric discharge, a constant or alternating voltage is supplied to the metal being welded and the welding electrode from a current source (welding machine). As a result, a welding arc occurs between the electrode rod and the metal. Its resistance exceeds the resistance of the electrode and wires, so the main part of the thermal energy is released in the arc.

To form an arc and maintain its burning, in the space between the electrode and the metal being welded, there must be positively and negatively charged particles - electrons and ions. The process of their formation, called ionization, is carried out during the ignition of the arc and is continuously maintained during its burning.

The figure below shows a diagram of the welding arc and the process of forming a seam. Under the influence of the high temperature of the arc (1), the electrode (2), its coating (6) and the metal to be welded (3) are melted. A weld pool (4) is formed at the site of the melt, into which drops of the molten electrode (5) are transferred. The molten coating (6) forms a gas cloud (7) and a slag bath (8) that protect the metal from the effects of oxygen and nitrogen. As the electrode advances, the metal cools and crystallizes, forming a weld (9) with a slag crust (10) on the surface.


Necessary components for electric welding

To be able to weld metal by electric welding, you must have:
  • current source (welding machine);
  • welding consumables (eg electrodes) corresponding to the metal to be welded;
  • protective clothing (mainly a protective mask);
  • hammer and metal brush to remove slag.

Before starting to work with a welding machine, it is necessary to clean the welded metal from foreign substances and contaminants - oils, paints, rust, scale, etc. Their presence on the metal leads to a violation of the uniformity of the seam and the formation of pores. Cleaning is done with any suitable tools and materials - a metal brush, a hammer, rags with a solvent (for example, gasoline). Hard-to-remove dirt can be treated with a gas burner flame (blowtorch) followed by brushing.

Weld Types

When welding, various types of welding joints are used. There are quite a few of them, 32 species are distinguished only by butt joints. However, there are only four main ones: butt (1), corner (2), tee (3), lap (4). With corner and tee joints, the edges can be connected at any angle to each other.


With a metal thickness of more than 3 mm, it is recommended to cut the edges, which allows you to make a seam that runs through the entire thickness of the metal. The groove makes it possible to weld with several seams (layers) of a small section, this reduces stress and deformation and improves the structure of the welded joint.

The cutting angle can be different - from 25 to 50 °, depending on the thickness of the metal, the type of connection and the requirement for the strength of the seam. At home, when working with small parts, cutting is easiest to do on a grinder. When working with large parts, you can use a gas cutter. If cutting cannot be done for any reason, the welding current is increased to weld the metal over the entire thickness.

Assembling the structure before welding

A feature of the welded joint is a strong deformation of the structure. Cooling, the weld metal "pulls" the product, breaking its shape. If proper measures are not taken, the shape of the welded structure will be very different from that which was planned. Right angles will turn into sharp or obtuse, the flatness of surfaces will be violated.

Deformation is fought with the help of a rigid assembly and tacks. The connected parts are fixed in a certain position with the help of clamps, clamps, ties and other devices. But even a fixed product can lead if you do not make "tacks" in the necessary places - short seams of a small section in different places of the structure. The latter must be positioned in such a way that the stresses of the seams are mutually compensated. In butt joints, for example, tacks are made from different sides of the part.

Connection polarity

Working with a DC welding machine provides an additional opportunity to control the welding mode by reversing the connection of the holder cable (electrode) and the ground clamp (material). In normal mode, the electrode is connected to the "minus" terminal, and the material - to the "plus" terminal. This connection is called "straight polarity" and provides better heating of the material to be welded, which is exactly what is necessary in most cases due to the massiveness of the latter.

The physical nature of a stronger heating of the metal with "direct" polarity is that the flow of electrons, which is an electric current, moves from "minus" to "plus", from the cathode to the anode (in this case, to the metal being welded), passing it its energy of movement and heating in addition to the heating from the electric arc.

Sometimes it becomes necessary to reduce the heating of the metal - when welding thin-walled materials (to avoid burning through) or alloyed steels (to prevent burnout of alloying elements). In this case, reverse polarity is used, connecting the electrode to "+" and the material to be welded to "-". In this case, the flow of electrons changes its direction and heats not the metal, but the electrode.


In the designation of some electrodes there is an indication of the polarity of the connection, which must be observed. But, in essence, any electrode can work at different polarities, except that the quality of welding will vary. If the "native" polarity of the electrode is unknown, you need to work with it, changing it, eventually choosing the one that provides the best welding quality.

Welding technology of steel with piece coated electrodes

The question - how to learn how to cook by electric welding - has only one answer - practice. You can't become a welding master just by studying theory. And yet, before embarking on practical work, it is useful to get acquainted with the theoretical foundations.

Arc ignition. An arc can occur either in the event of a gas (air) breakdown, or as a result of the contact of the electrodes with their subsequent withdrawal to a distance of several millimeters. The first method (air breakdown) is possible only at high voltages, for example, at a voltage of 1000 V and a gap between the electrodes of 1 mm. This method of starting an arc is usually not used due to the danger of high voltage. When the arc is powered by high voltage current (more than 3000V) and high frequency (150-250 kHz), air breakdown can be obtained with a gap between the electrode and the workpiece up to 10 mm. This method of ignition of the arc is less dangerous for the welder and is often used.

The second method of ignition of the arc requires a potential difference between the electrode and the product of 40-60V, therefore it is used most often. When the electrode comes into contact with the workpiece, a closed welding circuit is created. At the moment when the electrode is removed from the product, the electrons that are on the cathode spot heated from a short circuit break away from the atoms and move towards the anode by electrostatic attraction, forming an electric arc. The arc quickly stabilizes (within a microsecond). The electrons that leave the cathode spot ionize the gas gap and a current appears in it.

The arc ignition speed depends on the characteristics of the power source, on the current strength at the moment the electrode contacts the workpiece, on the time of their contact, and on the composition of the gas gap. The arc excitation speed is affected, first of all, by the value . The greater the current value (with the same electrode diameter), the greater the cross section of the cathode spot becomes and the greater the current will be at the beginning of the arc ignition. A large electron current will cause rapid ionization and transition to a stable arc discharge.

With a decrease in the diameter of the electrode (ie, with an increase in current density), the transition time to a stable arc discharge is further reduced.

The arc ignition speed is also affected by the polarity and type of current. With direct current and reverse polarity (i.e., the plus of the current source is connected to the electrode), the arc excitation speed is higher than with alternating current. For alternating current, the ignition voltage must be at least 50-55V, for direct current - at least 30-35V.

Re-ignition of the welding arc after its extinction due to short circuits by drops of electrode metal will occur spontaneously if the temperature of the electrode end is high enough.

The most convenient way to start an arc is to strike the tip of the electrode against metal. With this movement, an arc occurs and the coating begins to melt. In this case, sticking of the electrode does not occur. In order not to leave marks on clean metal, you need to strike along the line of the future seam, moving the electrode to its beginning.

If there is an influx at the tip, it must be knocked off by tapping the electrode on the metal - preferably on the one to which the "mass" is not connected, otherwise the electrode may stick. If the tip of the electrode is excessively exposed, it must be struck several times to prevent sticking to melt the exposed metal.


Choice of electrode diameter and welding current. The electrode diameter and current strength are selected, first of all, taking into account the thickness of the metal to be welded. For the initial selection of the electrode diameter and current strength, you can use the following table, the values ​​​​in which correspond to the bottom seam.

The strength of the welding current is also indicated in the characteristics of the electrode on its packaging.

When performing welds in vertical and overhead positions, electrodes with a diameter of not more than 4 mm are used. If there is a cutting of edges or it is necessary to fill the gap between the parts, then the root weld can be performed with an electrode of a smaller diameter - 2.5-3 mm.


The approximate value of the direct welding current can be calculated by the formula I \u003d K d, where I- current strength, To- coefficient, d- diameter of the electrode. Coefficient To selected depending on the diameter of the electrode.

This calculation allows you to determine the current value for the bottom seam when welding with direct current. If these conditions change, the formula should be changed:

  • If a vertical seam is to be cooked, an adjustment factor equal to 0.9 must be entered into the formula. As a result, the formula will take the form I=0.9 K d.
  • When performing a ceiling joint, the value of the correction factor must be reduced to 0.8 (I=0.8 K d). This will allow to obtain a smaller volume of molten metal and faster crystallization.
  • When welding on alternating current, the value of the welding current should be increased by 10-15A.

The optimal current value must be selected during operation, depending on the specific conditions.

If a welding transformer or rectifier is used as the current source, the actual current may differ from that set on the machine when the supply voltage changes. If it is low (in the evening, for example), the actual welding current will be lower than the value indicated by the toggle switch.

Welding technology

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

The electrodes that are used for manual arc welding are 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 different 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 an electric arc to the melting zone: the weld pool.


How is a weld pool formed? Without understanding this process, you will not understand how to weld metal correctly (To increase the size of the picture, click on it with the right mouse button)

In the process, the protective coating also burns, partially melting, partially evaporating and releasing some 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, helping to maintain its temperature. In order to properly weld by welding, it is necessary to ensure that the slag covers the weld pool.

The weld is obtained 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 burning of protective gases. It also protects the metal from contact with the oxygen contained in the air. After cooling, it is beaten with a hammer. In this case, hot fragments scatter, therefore eye protection is required (wear special glasses).

How to weld metal

Learning how to properly hold the electrode and move the bath is not enough for a good result. It is necessary to know some subtleties of the behavior of the joined metals. And the peculiarity lies in the fact that the seam “pulls” the parts, which can cause them to warp. As a result, the shape of the product can be very different from what was intended.


Electric welding technology: before starting the seam, the parts are connected with tacks - short seams located at a distance of 80-250 mm from each other

Therefore, before work, the parts are fixed with clamps, ties and other devices. In addition, tacks are made - short transverse seams laid through several tens of centimeters. They fasten the parts, giving the product a shape. When welding joints, they are applied on both sides: in this way, the resulting stresses are compensated. Only after quiet preparatory measures begin welding.

How to choose a current for welding

It is impossible to learn how to cook by electric welding if you do not know which current to set. It depends on the thickness of the parts to be welded and the electrodes used. Their dependence is presented in the table.

But with manual arc welding, everything is interconnected. For example, the voltage in the network has dropped. The inverter simply cannot supply the required current. But even under these conditions, you can work: you can move the electrode more slowly, achieving good heating. If this does not help, change the type of electrode movement - several times passing through one place. Another way is to put a thinner electrode. By combining all these methods, a good weld can be achieved even under such conditions.

Now you know how to cook by welding. It remains to develop the skills. Choose a welding machine, buy electrodes and a welding mask and start practicing.

To consolidate the information, watch the video tutorial on welding.

If you want to learn how to use electric welding, you should first get the necessary equipment, since electric welding for beginners is a responsible matter. For use at home, a welding machine of even an initial type is quite enough. Although, absolutely any will do:

  • rectifier;
  • inverter;
  • welding transformer.

It is good if the maximum current strength exceeds 160 amperes. You should also acquire protective equipment:

  • welder mask;
  • work gloves;
  • clothes made of dense material (not synthetic);
  • boots made of rough leather or tarpaulin;
  • a hammer;
  • metal brush.

The only basic safety equipment you will need is a fire extinguisher or at least a bucket of water. You must also take all precautions when using electrical appliances.


To learn how to use electric welding, you should remember one simple rule: the electrodes must be selected taking into account the thickness of the metal, and the current strength of the device must be set according to the type of electrode.


Working on a welding transformer, for each millimeter of metal thickness, a current of 30-40 amperes is set. When using an inverter, the maximum current for a 3 mm thick electrode is 80 amps, since at 100 amps it can cut metal. In the case of electrodes of 2 mm thickness, the current strength is set to 20-30 amperes, and when set to 40 amperes, it can cut the metal.

Before you start welding, you need to prepare a workplace, as well as workpieces that will be used to learn how to work with welding. With a metal brush or with a grinder, clean the welding point from rust and dirt. Clamps or a vise should be used to fix and dock the elements to be welded.


You need to learn how to work with a welding machine from a simple one - welding rollers. To do this, you need to buy electrodes with a diameter of 3 mm. For beginners, ANO-21 or ANO-36, which are considered universal and the most inexpensive, will be enough. It is better to use new electrodes, as the old ones sometimes get damp and become unusable.

The mass clamp must be attached to the workpiece, and the electrode inserted into the holder.

  1. It is necessary to strike the electrode on the metal part, like a match, slowing down slightly. When an arc occurs, it must be held by holding the electrode a few millimeters from the surface of the workpiece and moving it to the side.
  2. Tapping is the second way. The end of the electrode should be tapped on the workpiece and immediately tear it off while holding the arc. It is necessary to drive the electrode along the workpiece, keeping a gap of 3 to 5 mm.


You can learn how to cook with a welding machine by first learning how to properly guide the workpiece with an electrode. The slope should be about 75 degrees in the direction of the arc. By setting the correct current value, the arc will be stable, and the metal and the electrode will be melted simultaneously. If the current is too high, the metal will start to burn and splatter.

Trying to cook

Try welding two parts together. Start the arc, and start the electrode smoothly along the seam at an angle of 75 degrees. In this case, oscillatory movements should be carried out with a crescent, as if raking metal from each workpiece to the welded joint. So you end up with a smooth and continuous seam. After the metal has cooled, you need to beat off the slag with a hammer.

The main thing is to train, and then your skill will begin to improve. In the future, you will be able to master more complex welding techniques, for example, welding vertical or overhead seams. Such abilities you will always find application in the economy.

And you want to learn how to weld with an inverter for beginners.

Difficulties are not to be feared! The inverter apparatus is easy to use, any person without experience and knowledge will be able to master the welding process in a short time.

Safety. Welding production is associated with electrical voltage, in the common people - current. The current is invisible, but capable of hitting a person to death.

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

When connecting the device to the network, we visually evaluate the current-carrying cables for serviceability. We made sure that the cables are in good condition, turn on the plug and the toggle switch on the device, after setting the current regulator to the lowest value. If the cooling fan runs smoothly, without crackling and noise, then everything is fine.

metal weight. When connecting heavy structures, take precautions. Multi-ton products in the event of a collapse can lead to death or disability.

Outfit. Welding production is associated with high temperatures. The welder must have:

  • canvas mittens ();
  • robe (special suit);
  • mask with ;
  • respirator for work in confined spaces;
  • shoes with rubber soles.

Leggings are used when welding at heights, when the hands rise up, and mittens in other cases.

Other accessories:

  • welding machine;
  • a hammer;
  • brush;
  • electrodes.

Inverter Welding Basics

For beginners, experienced welders advise to attach the cable of the holder to the body, press the elbow with the arm and wrap it along the forearm (from the elbow to the hand), take the holder in the hand. So the shoulder joint will pull the cable, and the arm and hand will remain free.

The method will help to easily manipulate the hand.

Correct placement of the cable on the forearm. Don't work with bare hands.

If you simply take it in your hand without winding your forearm with a cable, then during the welding process your hand will get tired and hand movements will lead the cable into a dangling movement. What will affect the quality of the welded joint.

How to cook with 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 on the pack of electrodes. We take a stable stance, move the elbow away from the body (you can’t press it), put on and start the process.

It is better to start welding with an inverter for beginners with metal blanks over 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, the habit of cooking in one breath will appear. Therefore, train on long workpieces, learning how to breathe properly when welding.

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

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

  1. If welding is performed with a backward angle, then the slope of 30-45 degrees goes towards the seam.
  2. If the connection occurs at an angle forward, then the slope of the electrode is from the seam.

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

Please note that when welding, the electrode decreases while burning - gradually bring the melting rod closer to the surface at a distance of 2-3 mm and keep the angle of inclination 30-45 degrees.

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

How can a beginner learn how to cook with a welding inverter?

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

Ignite the electrode in two ways:

  • tapping;
  • scribbling.

The new one fires up easily. A slag film appears at the working rod, which prevents ignition. You just need to knock a little longer to break the film.

  1. On inverter devices, the Hot Start function is built in to facilitate arc ignition.
  2. If the beginner quickly approaches the electrode to the surface, the Arc Force function (arc force, anti-sticking) is activated, increases the welding current, preventing the electrode from sticking.
  3. When the melting stick sticks, the Anti Stick function cuts off the current, preventing the inverter from overheating.

Video: what is arc force on a welding inverter and how to apply it.

It is better for a beginner to first learn on a thread seam, the electrode is carried out evenly, without oscillatory movements.

After mastering the thread technology, proceed to welding metal with oscillatory movements. Which are used for thick metal for heating, holding the electrode at a certain point with the help of movements - herringbone, zigzags, spiral or their 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 went along the seam making oscillatory movements. The angle of inclination of the electrode is 30-45 degrees. After the passage, we beat off the slag with a hammer and clean it with a brush. , wear glasses.

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

Video: how to cook a corner joint, butt and overlap.

Seams are divided into:

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

Single-pass seam is performed on metals up to 3 mm. Multi-pass seams are superimposed at large thicknesses of metal.

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

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

Direct and reverse polarity when welding with an inverter

Consider the polarity when welding with an inverter. When connected with direct current, the movement of electrons is constant, which reduces splashing of molten metal. The seam is of high quality and neat.

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

  1. 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 gets hotter. It is used for welding thin metals, the risk of burn-through is reduced.
  2. Direct 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. It is used for welding thick metals from 3 mm and cutting with an inverter.

The polarity is indicated on the pack of electrodes, this instruction will help you to correctly connect the wires to the equipment.

Inverter welding of thin metal

The essence of connecting thin plates is reduced to the selection of electrodes of small diameter and setting the welding current. For example, for a metal with a thickness of 0.8 mm, electrodes with a diameter of 1.8 mm are taken. The current on the inverter is set to 35 A.

Technology happens in intermittent motions. Watch the video, which shows in detail the connection of thin plates.

How to cut metal with a welding inverter

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

Thread, rivet, glue. This is what you can fasten two metal parts without resorting to electric welding. For many, electric welding is a kind of higher mathematics, but after completing your first high-quality seam, muscle memory turns on, the calculator works, because every centimeter of the seam is money paid to a specialist. Learning how to use a welding machine of any type is not difficult, the main thing is to set yourself a goal. On the way to this goal, there are a couple of tricks, which we will talk about today.

Welding basics

In order to know how to properly cook with electric welding, you need to understand the process. Everything is really simple - metal welding is a process, as a result of which interatomic bonds are established between two parts during mutual heating. Even simpler - by heating two pieces of metal in any way (and in our case, with the help of a direct current that is converted from a mains alternating current), you can get a strong and permanent connection.

As a result, we get a welding seam, but before that it is necessary to study, at least superficially, the whole process of obtaining it from surface preparation to processing the finished seam. For electric welding, certain equipment will be required, and this is primarily a welding machine.

Which device is better

For a beginner welder, the best option would be an inexpensive and versatile inverter-type welding machine. In addition to them, there are transformer welding machines and the most expensive machines for semi-automatic welding, but we will not touch them, since the former are too bulky and voracious, and the latter are intended for professional use, mainly for car repairs.

The welding inverter has compact dimensions, low weight and can weld metal of almost any thickness. Thin metal, pipes, power metal structures, sheet metals - all this can be cooked with an inverter, and it is not too demanding on the mains current and voltage parameters. The price of a welding inverter is within 4-6 thousand rubles. Yes, these are usually Chinese models, even if they contain the brand name in Cyrillic - Stal, Brigadier, Fiolent. Components are only Chinese, but these inexpensive devices can also help in everyday life. All additional accessories are most often included in the kit:

  • welding electrodes;
  • welder mask;
  • mass wire;
  • electrode holder with wire;
  • metal brush;
  • protective gloves.

Welding technology

Welding of metal parts is carried out under the influence of high temperature, which forms an electric arc. The arc occurs between the welding electrode and the workpiece. Under its influence, the metal melts, as a result of which the metal of the electrode is mixed with the metal of the parts to be welded. When the joint cools down, we get a weld. The size of the seam depends on the thickness of the electrode, the speed of its movement, the welding mode and the shape of the welded edge. The width of the weld is from 5 to 17 mm, and the depth of the active weld can be from 1 to 9 mm, depending on the thickness of the metal.

The electrode consists of a metal core and a coating, which during welding creates a protective shell of the weld pool, and after welding it solidifies and forms slag. This slag must be removed to bare metal. This is the only way to check the quality of the welded joint. The electrode is fixed in the holder, which is connected to the positive terminal of the welding machine, and the negative terminal, ground, is connected to the workpiece to be welded using a special clamp that comes with the machine.

We catch the arc and get a seam

The theory is over, now let's move on to practice. Both parts to be welded must be well cleaned of rust and dirt. A mass clamp is securely attached to one of the parts, and the attachment point is also pre-cleaned. That's it, turn on the welding machine, put on protective gloves and a welding mask, bring the electrode to the parts to be welded at an approximate angle of 50-60 degrees and check the contact. If there is contact, sparking will occur on the electrode in the welding zone. After that, we touch the surfaces to be welded and remove the electrode from it by 3-6 mm. At this point, an arc should appear.

If it does not arise, we adjust the welding current in the direction of increase. Ultimately, it is necessary to achieve a high-quality stable arc and uniform burning of the electrode. Actually, this is the most difficult thing - to get the right arc. Only the experience and advice of a good welder can help here. When the electrode burns out to the end, we change it without turning off the device.

The profession of a welder has long and reliably entered many industries and households. The need for it is almost everywhere. The availability of modern welding equipment allows you to both learn how to cook by electric welding on your own, and master the profession at a more serious level.

Elements necessary for the welder

To perfectly master the technique of working with welding equipment, you will need to understand not only the physical processes when working with metal, but also a set of knowledge about welding machines, as well as various malfunctions, technology features, and other “pitfalls”. You need to be able to understand the intricacies of the profession of a welder at every stage - from preparatory to final. In vocational schools, training in this profession takes two to three years.

What you need to understand before learning how to cook with electric welding?

  • be able to choose the right mode for working with various materials (steel, alloys, non-ferrous metals);
  • know the various techniques for creating a weld;
  • be able to correctly select electrodes and welding wire;

How to learn electric welding on your own?

If the goal is not to become a top-class professional, then it will be enough to master the key techniques and understand the basic concepts, and you can already experiment with welding work in the backyard.

So where to start?

First of all, you will need a welding machine and electrodes. It is better to start with electrodes with a diameter of 3 mm - they are suitable for most tasks and do not load the electrical network very much. Devices according to the principle of operation are divided into three categories: transformer, rectifier, and inverter. Inverters are the most compact, lightweight and easy to use for beginners.


Choosing a welding machine should be based on the purpose of the work.

Then you need to select a few metal fragments on which you can practice. You will need a bucket of water, a hammer to beat the slag, and a metal brush to clean the surface. From overalls and protective equipment you will need:

  • a mask to protect the face and neck with a special light filter (for example, a chameleon mask);
  • thick gloves;
  • overalls made of durable fabric, with long sleeves.

Do not forget about the precautions: there should not be combustible or easily flammable materials nearby, and the electrical network must be able to withstand the loads that occur during the operation of the welding machine.

The first steps in learning how to cook with electric welding

Care must be taken to ensure grounding - an appropriate clamp must be firmly attached to the workpiece. Then you need to check the cable - how well it is insulated and how well it is tucked into the holder.

After connecting the "mass", you can select the value of the current strength - depending on the electrode and the materials with which you intend to work.

Before igniting the arc, the electrode is set to the workpiece at an angle of about 60 degrees.

Electrode holder When moving slowly, sparks will appear - this means that the welding arc should appear. To create it, you need to put the electrode so that the gap between it and the surface is no more than five millimeters. The same rule should be followed in further work.

Gradually, the electrode will burn out. Don't be in a hurry to move it. The speed of the electrode movement depends on many factors - they will be disclosed in more detail during practice.

What to do if the electrode sticks? It is enough to slightly swing them to the side.

To create a stable welding arc, it is desirable to maintain a distance of 3 to 5 millimeters between the end of the electrode and the surface of the workpiece. In the case of an arc 2-3 mm long, which refuses to ignite, you can increase the current.

Features of the welding arc and polarity when creating a seam

When trying to weld a bead, one should strive to shift the molten metal to the center of the welding arc.

The electrode moves smoothly horizontally, accompanied by oscillatory movements. Thanks to this, a beautiful and high-quality seam is obtained. To learn how to cook with electric welding, how

Weight - for arc welding

a professional, you need to know how welding with direct polarity differs from reverse.

An electric arc is formed when an alternating or direct current is supplied from a power source. If the positive power pole (anode) is connected to the workpiece, then this means that arc welding has a straight polarity.

And if a negative power pole (cathode) is connected to the part, arc welding with reverse polarity is obtained. The electric arc causes the metal rod of the electrode to melt and mix with the molten material of the workpiece, forming the so-called weld pool. In this case, slag is formed, which comes to the surface.

How to cook using electric welding with a different size of the weld pool?

Depending on the position of the pool in space, as well as taking into account various welding modes, the design of the parts to be joined, the size and shape of the edges, as well as the speed with which the arc moves on the surface, the size of the weld pool may vary. As a rule, its dimensions can vary in the range:

  • from 8 to 15 mm - width;
  • from 10 to 30 mm - length;
  • up to 6 mm - depth.

How is arc length calculated? This is the distance from one active spot located on its surface to another (which is located on the molten surface of the electrode). When the electrode coating melts, a gaseous atmosphere appears near the arc and above the weld pool, which displaces air from the welding zone, preventing it from affecting the molten metal. Also, pairs of alloying elements of both the base and electrode metals get here.

In addition, slag protects against the oxidizing effect of air, because it covers the surface of the weld pool. And thanks to him, the metal is cleared of harmful impurities. Slag is formed as the arc is removed and the metal crystallizes in the weld pool during the formation of the seam.

About the techniques for forming a seam

Before you learn how to cook by electric welding yourself, you should master various welding techniques for connecting metal parts. Proper maintenance and movement of the electric arc is the key to a quality seam. If the arc is too long, then the metal will oxidize and become saturated with nitrogen, spray with drops, and form a porous structure.

Overlap seam

The welding arc moves forward along the electrode axis. Thus, the desired arc length is maintained, which is affected by the melting rate of the electrode. The length of the electrode decreases gradually, just as the distance between it and the weld pool increases. To prevent this, the electrode is supposed to be moved along the axis, observing the synchronism of its shortening and movement in the direction of the weld pool.

Ceiling seam

The electrode diameter depends on the thickness of the welded setal

Another type of roller is called thread. Such a bead is formed in the process of moving the electrode along the axis of the weld being welded. As for the thickness of the roller, it depends on the diameter of the electrode and the speed with which it moves.

About the width of the roller, we can say that it is usually 2-3 mm larger than the diameter of the electrode. This results in a fairly narrow weld seam. Its strength is not high enough to create a strong structure. How to fix it? It is enough when the electrode moves along the axis of the weld to make an additional movement of it - across the axis.

Tee seam (with one-sided cutting)

The transverse displacement of the electrode during operation makes it possible to obtain a sufficient width of the seam. This is done by reciprocating oscillations of the electrode, the width of which is determined individually for each specific case. Here it is necessary to take into account the position of the seam, its size, the shape of the groove, the characteristics of the materials, as well as the list of requirements put forward to the design. It is customary to consider the normal width of the seam from 1.5 to 5.0 electrode diameters.

Welding seam with electrode support

It is formed with rather complex, triple movements of the electrode. Exists in several variations. The trajectory of movement in classical arc welding must be such that the edges of the parts to be joined are melted, and at the same time enough molten metal must be formed to form a weld of a given shape.

Cutting and joining seams

How to learn how to properly weld torn seams by electric welding? If the electrode burned out almost to the end, then you have to stop to replace it. Before resuming work, the slag is removed and the process can be continued.

The arc is ignited at a distance of 12 mm from the crater (this is a depression that appeared at the end of the seam). The electrode returns to the crater to form a fusion of the new and old electrodes, and then continues its movement along the initially chosen trajectory.

Advantages and disadvantages specific to manual welding

Advantages:

Disadvantages:

  • rather harmful working conditions;
  • the quality of the seams directly depends on the qualifications of the welder;
  • Efficiency and productivity are quite low (compared to other types of welding).

Video: How to learn to cook with electric welding