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• Burnback Wire Stubbing Porosity Q & A Problems when MIG welding aluminum often result from an inadequate or improperly adjusted wire feed system.
• For the last 20 years For TIG welding aluminum, the best results might come from an inverter-based AC/DC TIG machine that incorporates advanced Squarewave technology, such as the Dynasty™ DX.
• Microprocessor Q & A Most of us don't realize that many items we use every day have a microprocessor chip inside. This Q & A section answers the most common questions.
• More....

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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