This is an article on the basics of Arc welding and its equipment. Arc Welding occurs when powerful heat starts to melt the metal, this causes an electric arc. The arc will appear at the point of contact between the metal and the electrode or stick, manually placed along the joint. The electrode is a rod or wire used to carry the electricity to the material being worked.

Within the Arc Welding procedure, there are four basic components that create the arc. You would need the power supply or arc welding circuit to bring power to the source of the equipment and the work could not be done without it. This power runs from the circuit through a cable and into the electrode holder. The electrode holder directs the electrode or stick onto the material being welded or worked. It is when the electrode makes contact with the material along with the electricity that causes the arc. The arc or visible light that flickers when the welder begins to mold his pieces.

Now that you are familiar with the procedure of Arc Welding, let’s get more acquainted with the equipment and their features. The Arc Welder equipment is very powerful and needs current from a power source.

The current is the most viable component to the entire process, so having the option of portable power supply units come in handy. If you are in need of higher voltage there are some welders that come with larger and more powerful units. Most circuits have the duality in that they offer both AC (alternate current)/DC (direct current) power. It is said that most DC outputs are better at constructing visual welds.

The electrode holder transfers the electricity from the circuit to the electrode or rod, enabling the current to flow to the material/metals to be worked on.

The electrode or rod delivers the heat to the site, melting the metal with the aid of fillers while creating a gaseous protective shield. There are other components needed within the arc shielding process such as the slag. The slag or molten metal along with the vapors are used to protect the metals from the air. When the air hits the metal in its weakened state it will damage or weaken the joints. The overall process called arc shielding may protect and even improve the welder’s work.

The process of arc welding itself is highly scientific and takes someone with finesse in craftsmanship to produce a great product. If you are looking for Arc Welder to buy, it is my advice to buy one with duality in power output. If you get a portable or heavy duty says something about the size of the job, but most will agree that they love the rugged durability of an Arc Welder.