Basic ARC Welding Equipment

So you want to become an ARC welder? Great, because ARC welding (also known as “stick welding”) is by far the easiest type of welding to learn, although the opposite is true when it comes to mastering it. In this article we will not teach you how to use a welding machine or how to ARC weld, we assume you already have a resource for that. You might have came across other names such as SMAW (Shielded metal arc welding), MMA or MMAW (manual metal arc welding) they all mean ARC welding.

In this article we are going to list the basic but necessary ARC welding equipment you will need to start welding with an ARC machine. Whether you will be welding at home or at work, this is the standard ARC welding equipment you will need.

Arc welding is also known as stick welding

ARC welding equipment you need

• ARC welding machine

A typical ARC welding machine consists of a positive and a negative terminal. It normally has one button used to adjust the amount of amperage. But of course, more advanced ARC welding machines are available, with more features than those I mentioned.

• Stick holder

A stick holder or ARC welding electrode holder is what holds the ARC welding electrode and is basically the component that a welder holds when welding. It is connected on the positive terminal.

• Earth Clamp

An earth clamp is clamped on the steel that will be welded; it protects the welder from possible electrical shock. In some parts of the world, this clamp is known as “work clamp”, “grounding clamp”, “Skelem” and more. You will connect this one on the negative terminal.

• ARC Electrode

The type of electrode you will buy depends on a number of factors, such as the material thickness, the type of material you are welding. Also, every steel type (stainless, mild, aluminum) requires its own electrode.

• Chipping Hammer

The stick electrode is covered with a metal mixture called flux, which cause something called “slag” to form while welding. You will need this type of hammer to “chip” of the slag from the welding after finishing your welding.

• Wire Brush

A wire brush is used for proper cleaning of the material to be welded; it can be used before and after the welding process. Wire brushes for different steel materials types are available, but a stainless steel wire brush normally does the job for every type of steel.

• Gloves

When picking gloves for ARC welding, you want to make sure you buy heavy-duty pair of gloves that will protect you from the heat and flux spatter. The gloves should be long (just below the elbow), strong and comfortable at the same time. If you’re not too sure, go with the highest quality brand names.

• Welding Helmet

This is obvious but worth mentioning. You can choose between auto darkening welding helmets of flip lens welding helmets. Auto darkening helmets are recommended when you’re working alone, but flip front/flip lens work best in my opinion.

The above are basically the necessary ARC welding equipment you will need to begin you ARC welding journey.

Images in this post courtesy of: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Collard