Step by Step: How to Setup a Stick Welder

Summary

In this instructional video, the host demonstrates how to set up a machine for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding. The focus is on connecting two essential leads: the ground clamp (or work lead) and the electrode holder. The machine is set for Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) with specific settings for arc force, hot start time, and amperage. A trial run is performed using a 3/32 70-18 electrode on clean 3/8-inch cold roll stock. The video also emphasizes safety, featuring the use of a fume extractor. Viewers are encouraged to subscribe for more welding tutorials.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video demonstrates how to set up a machine for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or stick welding.
• 😀 The focus is on two key leads: the ground clamp (work cable) and the electrode holder.
• 😀 The machine being used is capable of both stick and TIG welding, but the video is focused on stick welding setup.
• 😀 The ground clamp should be connected to the negative terminal, and the electrode holder to the positive terminal for Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) setup.
• 😀 It's important to connect the ground clamp first to avoid interference with other cables while working.
• 😀 The machine is set to run on 220V input, though it also supports 110V input.
• 😀 Ensure the machine is in stick mode, as it may be on high-frequency TIG mode by default.
• 😀 The machine settings are adjusted with 80 amps, 30% arc force, and both hot start time and hot start amps set to zero for a trial run.
• 😀 The user plans to use a 3/32 70-18 electrode for the trial run on 3/8-inch cold rolled stock.
• 😀 Safety is emphasized by using a fume extractor, ensuring the user stays away from the welding smoke and avoids breathing in harmful fumes.

Q & A

What is the main focus of this video tutorial?

The main focus of the video tutorial is setting up a machine for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or stick welding, specifically concentrating on the work lead (ground clamp) and electrode holder.

What does the speaker suggest about setting up the work lead?

The speaker suggests hooking up the work lead to the negative terminal first to avoid any conflict with other leads during the setup process.

What role does the electrode holder play in the setup?

The electrode holder is connected to the positive lead, which ensures the machine operates in DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive) mode for stick welding.

What input voltage is the machine set to in the tutorial?

The machine is set to run on 220-volt input, although the machine is capable of both 220-volt and 110-volt inputs.

How does the speaker adjust the settings for the stick welding process?

The speaker adjusts the settings by switching the machine to stick mode, setting the arc force to 30%, turning off the start-time, and setting the hot start amps to zero, with an amperage of 80 amps for the trial run.

Why does the speaker mention the arc force setting?

The speaker mentions the arc force setting because it controls the strength of the arc, and for the trial run, a setting of 30% was chosen to ensure optimal results without excessive force.

What is the purpose of using a fume extractor during the welding process?

The fume extractor is used to remove fumes from the welding process, ensuring that the speaker’s face remains clear of smoke, enhancing safety and comfort during the trial weld.

What type of stock material is used for the trial weld?

The speaker uses 3/8-inch cold roll stock, which is fairly clean, for the trial weld.

Why is it important to set the machine to stick welding mode?

It is important to set the machine to stick welding mode to ensure that it operates correctly for SMAW (stick welding), as other modes like high-frequency TIG are not suitable for this process.

What are the main components involved in the stick welding setup?

The main components involved in the stick welding setup are the work clamp (ground lead), electrode holder, and the machine itself, which must be set to stick welding mode.