Learn How to Weld

By Terry Krautwurst
Published on January 1, 1982
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This shows beads formed on amperage settings ranging from too      low (cold) to too high (hot) should help, but here are some      other things to look for: Slag pockets: black, nonmetallic deposits in the      weld. Try keeping the electrode movement steady . . . and      hold the rod at an angle closer to perpendicular. Undercutting: a shallow groove along one or both      sides of a weld. This usually results from moving the      electrode too fast. Slow down a little. Spatter: droplets of metal around the weld. It      isn't a serious problem, but-if adjusting amperage doesn't      cure it-you may be holding the electrode too high.
This shows beads formed on amperage settings ranging from too low (cold) to too high (hot) should help, but here are some other things to look for: Slag pockets: black, nonmetallic deposits in the weld. Try keeping the electrode movement steady . . . and hold the rod at an angle closer to perpendicular. Undercutting: a shallow groove along one or both sides of a weld. This usually results from moving the electrode too fast. Slow down a little. Spatter: droplets of metal around the weld. It isn't a serious problem, but-if adjusting amperage doesn't cure it-you may be holding the electrode too high.
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Gather the supplies and you are ready for welding.
Gather the supplies and you are ready for welding.
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A welding station. Make sure to clamp the work tightly to the bench.
A welding station. Make sure to clamp the work tightly to the bench.
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Beveled joint edges on thick steel improve the bond.
Beveled joint edges on thick steel improve the bond.
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Arcing metal.
Arcing metal.
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A completed weld.
A completed weld.
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A final grinding of the welded metal.
A final grinding of the welded metal.
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Welded metal.
Welded metal.
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A blueprint of an arc welding schematic.
A blueprint of an arc welding schematic.

In his article “Weld It Yourself . . . and Make a Few Bucks to Boot,” Adrian B. DeBee gave
readers an admirably thorough explanation of the basic
tools and materials required to perform simple arc welding. He also suggested a number of ways to make money with
the skill, too.
Well, now that you know the what and the
why of the subject, it’s time to get to the heart
of the matter: how to weld. Even though it’s

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