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Stick Welding Q & A

Q: What are the advantages of Stick welding?

A: The main advantage is that the initial investment in equipment is low – with Stick welding you get more amps per dollar compared to MIG welding.

Q: What are the disadvantages of Stick welding?

A:

    • Stick welding is a slower process than MIG welding
    • The Stick process cannot be used to weld thin material

You must clean slag off the weld – a messy and time-consuming job

  • The operating cost of Stick welding is higher than MIG welding, because Stick welding doesn’t have as good of a deposition rate. For example, 50 lbs. of Stick electrodes yield approximately 30 lbs. of deposition (as compared to 50 lbs. of MIG welding wire yielding 49 lbs. of deposition).

 

Q: What types of material can be welded with a Stick machines?

A: All common materials can be welded with a Stick machine, be sure to select the appropriate stick electrode for the material being welded.

Q: What material thickness can my Stick machine weld in a single pass?

A: Material thickness depends on the particular diameter of the electrode rod selected to weld. Please consult rod manufacturer’s specifications.

Q: Can a Stick machine weld through dirty materials?

A: It’s always advisable to weld on the cleanest possible material, so for best results scrape off paint, rust or other debris where the weld is being made.

Q: When Stick welding, is there any advantage to welding DC versus AC?

A:

  • Easier out-of-position welding
  • Easier starts
  • Less arc outages and sticking
  • Less spatter (better looking welds)
  • Easier to learn “how to weld” in DC mode than in AC
  • Welds thinner materials better
  • Smoother arc

 

Q: What types of projects can I weld with a Stick machine?

A: A variety of items can be welded with a Stick machine. Thin material is the only limitation a Stick welder has. This process is ideal for:

  • Farm/ranch equipment
  • Hobby or household projects
  • Repair of wheel barros, bicycles, etc.

Miller offers a full range of Stick welders – your local Miller distributor can help you select the one that’s right for you. For free literature on Miller’s Thunderbolt® 225 or Thunderbolt® AC/DC Stick welders, call 1-800-4-A-MILLER.

Information courtesy of Miller Electric

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