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GW4500
Welding Guidelines
(Continued)
Work angle is the angle from
horizontal, measured at right angles to
the line of welding.
For most applications, a 45º travel
angle and 45º work angle is sufficient.
For specific applications, consult an arc
welding handbook.
NOTE: Right handed welders should
weld from left to right. Left handed
welders should weld from right to left.
The electrode should always point into
the weld puddle as shown.
ARC LENGTH
Arc length is the distance from the
work piece to the tip of the electrode,
the distance which the arc must travel.
A proper arc length is essential to
generate the heat needed for welding
(See Figure 7). An arc that is too long
produces an unstable arc, reduces
penetration, increases spatter, and
causes flat and wide beads. Too short
an arc does not create enough heat to
melt the work piece, the electrode has
a tendency to stick, penetration will be
poor, and uneven beads with irregular
ripples result. A proper arc should be no
longer than the diameter of the rod.
The sound of a proper arc is a steady,
crisp sizzle, similar to bacon frying.
TRAVEL SPEED
The travel speed is the rate at which
the electrode is moved across the weld
area (See Figure 7). When the speed is
too fast, the bead is narrow and bead
ripples are pointed as shown. When the
speed is to slow, the weld metal piles
up and the bead is high and wide. To
control travel speed, watch the width
of the weld bead (not the arc) when
welding. The weld bead is the orange,
molten metal behind the arc. The width
should be approximately twice the
diameter of the welding rod. Control
travel speed to obtain a consistent bead
width.
5º - 45º
Travel Angle
Work Angle
Figure 6 - Weld Angle
W
Work Piece
Figure 7 - Weld Appearance
NOTE: Weld bead
width (W) should be
approximately twice
the diameter for the
electrode rod used.
Amperage Too Low
Amperage Too High
Arc Length Too Short
Speed Too Fast
Speed Too Slow
Normal Amps,
Arc Length,
Speed
Arc Length Too Long