How to Adjust the Stick Range on an Arc Welder

One technique for welding metal parts together is known as the shielded metal arc welding process, also referred to as stick welding. This involves a welding machine that produces high-voltage electricity through a wire cable terminating in an electrode stick. A separate ground cable attaches to the metal being welded. When the electrode touches the metal, the circuit closes and the electrode stick's covering, known as the flux, melts to weld the metal. Adjusting the stick range is a simple process that takes only seconds.

Welding hood
Work gloves

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the arc welder with the electrode stick, and clip the ground wire onto the metal surface of the piece to be welded.
- 2
  Turn on the welding machine. Wear a welder's hood and work gloves.
- 3
  Hold the electrode stick near the work surface. Raise or lower the welder and adjust from side to side to hold the electrode stick at an angle from the work surface so you can see the work in progress. Continue adjusting the electrode stick as the flux melts onto the weld so the arc from the electrode to the work surface is the same length as the electrode stick.
- 4
  Move the electrode stick closer to the work surface as the flux continues to melt in order to maintain the arc distance at a length equal to the remaining electrode stick length.

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