SMAW Farm Tips

● Wet or damp electrodes make it more difficult to lay a strong weld. Store electrodes in a cool dry place.

● Don’t hold the rod at 90 degrees to the metal. For best results hold it at approximately 75 degrees.

● Don’t hold the electrode too far away from the metal. Arc length should not be greater than the diameter of the electrode.

● Moving the electrode too slowly can cause too much metal to be deposited and a weaker weld with a convex bead. Similarly, a fast travel speed will create a narrow concave bead with low penetration.