Why is correct wire stick-out important?

As the wire stickout increases, voltage increases and amperage decreases. When this occurs, the arc may destabilize, causing excessive spatter, arc wander, poor heat control on thin metals and slower travel speeds. Contact tip recess also affects radiant heat from the welding arc.

What does stick-out mean in MIG welding?

Stickout: Another common term defined by the AWS, this refers to the end of the nozzle to where the wire melts off. The only time that electrode extension and stickout can be used interchangeably is when the contact tip is flush with the end of the nozzle.

How far should MIG wire stick-out?

For wire (flux-core or MIG) welding, keep a work distance of ⅜ to ½ inch. With stick welding, look to keep that distance ⅛ inch between the rod tip and work piece. “The arc length should not exceed the diameter of the core of the electrode,” Leisner says.

What is wire stick-out?

LESSON II Electrical Stick-Out – In any welding process using a solid or flux cored wire, the electrical stick-out is the distance from the contact tip to the unmelted electrode end. Sometimes called the “amount of wire in resistance”. This distance influences melt-off rate, penetration, and weld bead shape.

What is the golden rule of welding?

Weld metal is always a liquid and wants to find its own level. Weaves need to always be level, or the weld metal will sag. If the foundation on a house is not level and straight, the bricks will end up the same. Get the foundation (first run) straight and level, so you can have something to follow.

What is stick out distance in welding?

The stickout is the distance from the end of the gas nozzle to the end of the wire. Setback is the distance from the end of the gas nozzle to the contact tube (which is up inside the gas nozzle), and electrode extension is the distance from the end of the contact tube to the end of the wire.

How far should the tip stick out on a MIG welder?

Keep your wire stickout to 1/4 to 3/8″ (stickout means the distance the wire is extending from the end of the contact tip.) This one simple tip can have the biggest effect on your mig welding.

What is stick out length in welding?

Stick-out is the length of unmelted wire coming out of the contact tip of the welding gun. It affects the amount of amperage drawn by the wire and the outcome of the weld. Determining how much stick-out to use depends on the wire’s diameter.

What should you not do when welding?

Do not wear short sleeves or cuffed clothing when welding. You could end up with burns from sparks or hot metal. Do not allow hands to come in contact with sharp edges when opening cans of electrodes. Do not operate in an area with combustible materials.

What is the number one rule in a welding shop?

1. Need for Protective Equipment and Proper Maintenance. Welders need protective gloves, goggles, helmets and respiratory protection that will safeguard welders from injuries. Employees should also be fully trained in hazards and equipment operation.

What happens if the welding gun is moved closer to the work?

When the welding gun is moved closer to the work, the arc length should decrease. However, the machine will deliver more current to burn off the electrode faster and maintain the arc length determined by the set voltage.

Do you know stick out is important in MIG welding?

Do you know stick out is important in MIG welding? Well, it helps to produce low voltage penetration and a stable arc which is absolutely necessary for a perfect welding task. Basically, it’s the visible length of the electrode which is non-melted and came out from the end of the tube. The proper size should be 3/8 inches.

Why is amperage important in MIG welding?

This is because, welding without correct amperage and voltage can cause serious porosity and undercut over the weld metal. The selection of accurate voltage with amperage will depend upon the type of material, shielding gas, speed and the position of the weld. Do you know stick out is important in MIG welding?

How long should the stickout be on a MiG gun?

Generally, maintain a stickout of 3/8 inch and listen for a sizzling bacon sound. If the arc sounds irregular, one culprit could be that your stickout is too long, which is an extremely common error. The proper wire stickout for most solid wire MIG applications is about 3/8 inch.

What should a good MIG welder sound like?

A properly adjusted MIG welder should sound like it is frying up bacon when laying a bead. You want a nice sizzle with little “pops and spits”. The final weld should be relatively flat and even throughout. Above you can see some examples of MIG welds. The first weld has our MIG 175 settings dialed in pretty good.