Arc welding is also known as Stick welding. It involves a high amount of electricity that passes through an electrode or the “stick,” and then through the metal that it is welding. There is a little gap between the stick and the metal during this process that causes the stick to melt, and covers the metal with the weld. Stick welding offers a variety of advantages, including the strength of welds it provides, the cost of machinery, and the variety of applications for which it can be used.
Step One
Costs - The initial cost of arc welding machines tends to be much cheaper than other welding apparatuses, such as MIG and TIG welders that use a wire feed mechanism, or oxygen and acetylene welders that require expensive regulators and a variety of torch tips. Although there is no wire feed involved with the arc welding machine as with MIG and TIG machines, the welding rods used for the arc welder are inexpensive, and come pre-coated with flux.
Step Two
Results - The arc welder produces an extremely strong weld that, when performed at its optimum, is stronger than the metal that it is holding together. Although arc welds require a lot of skill, a well-performed arc weld will be stronger than most MIG welds. This is one of the main reasons arc welding is used for industrial applications, and why MIG welding is used for personal applications.
Step Three
Transporting - When a welder is familiar with arc welding machines, the welds can be performed quickly for most applications. Along with enabling quick and easy welds for the skilled welder, the equipment can also be moved easily. Arc welding machines can be relatively lightweight, and easily moved by themselves or on a dolly. Gas welding machines have two tanks, along with gas lines and a variety of torches. The disadvantages of gas welding are that gas tanks are heavy, gas lines are troublesome, and the regulators are fragile and require concentration while moving.