The bare metal portion of the rod that is not coated is inserted into an electrode holder, sometimes called a “stinger”. The stinger holds the metal rod while welding and allows the weldor, (the person), to change the angle of the rod without having to change position or to reach around an object to weld.

The arc is struck by lightly tapping the electrode, (after inserting it into the stinger of course!), on the metal, or alternately flicking the electrode along the metal like a match. Of course, you must confine your arc striking to the immediate weld area or risk defects resulting in weld failure or rejection by an welding inspector, if you are required to submit your weld in a professional setting. As the arc is struck the electrode must be held slightly off the metal in most cases to maintain the arc and to deposit the filler metal into the weld, blending both pieces of base metal into the weld. While welding the welding rod is gradually consumed and deposited into the metal. The rod must be manually adjusted to keep the arc gap consistent. This means the rod is constantly fed closer to the puddle as it melts. It takes practice to manage this arc gap and to prevent contamination of the weld.

SMAW

Even though Shielded Metal Arc Welding is largely a manual process it is a very sound and safe form of welding. It is also considered the most versatile and widely adapted form of welding, allowing extreme portability, while also allowing the weldor to competently weld virtually any thickness, even with smaller welders, given enough time and patience. If you’re thinking that stick welding may be what you are looking for, Everlast offers a full line of IGBT based inverter stick welders in our full line of PowerARC welders, from 140 amp to 400 amps that can manage the smallest homeowner chore to the largest industrial task. Inverters offer compact size with reduced power consumption over the heavy power hungry transformer Stick welders.