Stick Welding

Stick welding, or to give it it’s full name, Shielded Metal Arc Welding, is one of the most used welding processes along with MIG and TIG.

It’s an effective welding procedure that is popular with outdoor welders because it is not so affected by the natural elements, unlike MIG and TIG welding which uses gas cylinders.

In stick welding the welder strikes an electric arc between a metal electrode and the piece they are working on. Electric currents pass through the electrode and melts it into the work to form a weld pool.

One of the primary benefits of stick welding is that it is very portable. A small stick can weld on heavy gauge metal and doesn’t require any heavy equipment such as a gas cylinder.

As we said previously, stick welding is the most suitable option if it is an outside job. TIG and MIG welding in windy conditions, without any protective barriers, produces inferior results in some cases.

If the metal has rust or scale it is still possible to use stick welding and will result in stable joints, whereas this isn’t so easy with MIG or TIG welds.

Although it obviously requires training and practice, stick welding is easier to master than TIG welding and is often the first step into this profession.

Stick welding does create more spatter and slag than TIG welding and you have to therefore account for more time to clean up the work area.

On the whole, the stick weld will not be as high quality or intricate as TIG welding.

There are 3 main types of electrodes used in stick welding: basic; cellulosic and rutile.

The basic electrodes have high levels of limestone and fluorspar in the coating. The result of this type of electrode is that the slag coating is more fluid than rutile coatings. An advantage of this fluidity is that the coating will freeze faster which is good when welding overhead.

The cellulosic welding electrode has a high proportion of cellulose in the coating. They produce a deeply penetrating arc and rapid burn off rate making it easier to weld at high speeds. De-slagging can be difficult as the weld deposits are course. These electrodes are suitable for all work positions and are often used when stovepipe welding is needed.

The primary element in the coating of rutile electrodes is titanium oxide. This composition promotes an easier arc ignition, smoother arc operation and a lower degree of spatter. This rutile electrode supports AC and DC power sources and is suitable for all working positions. The welds that the rutile produces are especially suited for fillet joints.