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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