What You Should Know about SMAW!

In shielded metal-arc welding, the intense heat from an electric arc is used to melt and fuse metals to form a weld. It is one of the oldest and most widely used welding processes. Although used chiefly for joining iron and mild steels, shielded metal-arc welding is well suited to maintenance tasks because the equipment is relatively inexpensive, simple to operate, and can be used for welding many different kinds of metals. Below, you will find explanations describing the shielded metal-arc welding process and how the welding machines and accessories are set up and used. You will also find information on selecting an electrode. The personal safety equipment and precautions are also described. How the Process Works A typical SMAW outfit consists of an electric welding machine, two welding cables, a ground clamp, an electrode holder, and a covered metal electrode. Electric current from the welding machine is used to form an electric arc between the tip of the electrode and the work. Welding is started by touching the end of the electrode to the base metal, then lifting the electrode about