How to learn how to cook by electric welding yourself watch. How to learn to cook by electrode welding: process technology and detailed instructions

An apartment, and even more so a private house, needs regular maintenance and repair work. A home craftsman has to be a generalist, able to perform many different jobs. That is why the masters want to master as many technologies as possible.

One of the most popular is welding. Practice shows that electric welding for beginners is simple and accessible to anyone who wants to learn how to use it.

Electric is one of the welding methods, when an electric arc is used to heat and then melt metals. The temperature of the latter reaches 7000 degrees C, which is much higher than the melting point of most metals.

The process of electric welding proceeds as follows. To form and maintain an electric arc, current is supplied from the welding tool to the electrode.

During the welding process, the base metal and the metal core of the electrode are melted and mixed, forming a strong and inseparable seam.

When the electrode rod touches the surface to be welded, the welding current flows. Under its influence and the influence of an electric arc, the electrode and the metal edges of the elements to be welded begin to melt. From the melt, as welders say, a weld pool is formed, in which the molten electrode is mixed with the base metal.

Molten slag floats to the surface of the bath and forms a protective film. After turning off the arc, the metal gradually cools down, forming a seam covered with scale. After the material has completely cooled, it is cleaned off.

Non-consumable and consumable electrodes can be used for welding. In the first case, a filler wire is introduced into the melt to form a weld, in the second it is not required. For the formation and subsequent maintenance of an electric arc, special equipment is used.

What do you need for welding at home?

To carry out the work, you will need, first of all, a welding machine. There are several varieties of it. Let's decide which one to prefer.

• . A distinctive feature is the ability to generate electrical energy and use it to create an arc. It will be useful where there is no power source. It has impressive dimensions, so it is not very convenient to use.
• welding transformer. The device converts the alternating voltage supplied from the mains into an alternating voltage of a different frequency, which is necessary for welding. The devices are easy to operate, but have significant dimensions and react negatively to possible power surges.
• Welding rectifier. A device that converts the voltage supplied from the mains into direct current, which is necessary for the formation of an electric arc. Differ in compactness and high efficiency of work.

For home use, an inverter type rectifier is preferred. They are usually referred to simply as inverters. The equipment is very compact. When working, it is hung on the shoulder. The principle of operation of the device is quite simple. It converts high frequency current into direct current. Working with this type of current provides the highest quality weld.

The welding generator can work in the absence of a network. It generates electricity on its own. The system is very bulky, it is quite difficult to work with it.

Inverters are economical, they work from a household network. In addition, it is better to work with them for a beginner. They are extremely easy to operate and provide a stable arc.

The disadvantages of inverters include a higher cost than other devices, sensitivity to dust, moisture and power surges. When choosing an inverter for home welding, pay attention to the range of welding current values. The minimum value is 160-200A.

Additional equipment features can make the job easier for a novice. Of these pleasant "bonuses" it is worth noting Hot Start, which means an increase in the initial current supplied at the moment the welding arc is ignited. Thanks to this, the arc is much easier to activate.

The Anti-Stick function automatically reduces the welding current if the electrode stick is stuck. This makes it easier to take it off. The Arc Force function increases the welding current if the electrode is brought to the workpiece too quickly. In this case, sticking does not occur.

In addition to a welding machine of any type, electrodes will be needed. Their brand is best chosen according to a special table, which indicates the type of material being welded.

You will also need a welding mask. The best thing is the one that is worn on the head. Models that you want to hold in your hand are extremely uncomfortable.

It is necessary to work with welding only in a protective suit. A special mask will protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation and splashes, a tight suit and canvas gloves will prevent burns

The mask can be a simple tinted glass or the so-called "chameleon". The latter option is preferable, because when an arc appears, the glass is automatically darkened. It is necessary to work only in special clothing that protects against splashes and ultraviolet radiation. It can be thick cotton overalls, boots or high boots, canvas or rubberized gloves.

Electric Welding Technology

It is better to learn how to properly weld parts by electric welding under the guidance of experienced welders. If for some reason this does not work, you can try it yourself. First you need to properly organize the workplace. This is very important, since welding is a high-temperature, and therefore a fire hazardous process.

To work, you need to choose a workbench or any other base made of non-combustible material. Wooden tables and similar products are strictly prohibited. It is desirable that there are no flammable objects near the place where welding will be carried out.

Be sure to put a bucket of water near you to eliminate possible sources of ignition. In addition, you need to determine a safe place where the remains of the used electrodes will be stored. Even the smallest of them can start a fire.

On sale you can find welding electrodes of different diameters. The required rod size is selected based on the thickness of the metal to be welded.

For the first independent seams, you need to prepare an unnecessary piece of metal and select electrodes for it. Experts recommend using 3 mm rods in such cases. The smaller diameter is used for welding thin sheets, which are inconvenient to learn from. Larger diameter electrodes require high equipment power.

We start by cleaning the area of ​​\u200b\u200bmetal on which the seam will be located. There should be no rust or any contamination. After the part is prepared, take the electrode and insert it into the clamp of the welding machine. Then we take the “grounding” clamp and firmly fasten it to the parts. Check the cable again. It must be tucked into the holder and well insulated.

Now you need to select the operating current power for the welding machine. It is selected according to the diameter of the electrode. We set the selected power on the panel of the welding equipment.

The next step is to ignite the arc. To do this, the electrode must be brought to the workpiece at an angle of about 60 ° and very slowly passed over the base. There should be sparks. As soon as this happens, lightly touch the electrode to the part and immediately raise it to a height of no more than 5 mm.

The welding inverter is ready for operation. Two cables are connected to it: one with a clamp for the electrode, the second with a grounding mount

At this moment, the arc flashes, which must be maintained throughout the entire operation time. Its length should be 3-5 mm. This is the distance between the tip of the electrode and the workpiece.

While maintaining the arc in working condition, it must be remembered that during operation the electrode burns out and becomes shorter. If the electrode is too close to the workpiece, sticking may occur. In this case, you need to slightly swing them to the side. The arc may not ignite the first time. Perhaps there is not enough current, then it needs to be increased.

After the novice welder has learned to ignite the arc and keep it in working condition, you can start welding the bead. This is the simplest of all operations. We set fire to the arc and begin to very smoothly and carefully move the electrode along the future seam.

At the same time, we perform oscillatory movements resembling a crescent moon with a small amplitude. We kind of “rake” the molten metal to the center of the arc. Thus, you should get an even seam, similar to a roller. It will contain small wave-like influxes of metal. After the seam has cooled down, scale must be knocked into it.

Arc Welding Techniques - Welding Methods

To get a quality seam, you need to learn how to support and then move the arc. The length of the electric arc especially affects the quality. If it is more than 5 mm, then it is considered long. In this case, nitriding and oxidation of the molten metal occurs. It is sprayed with drops, while the seam is porous and not strong enough. If the arc is too short, lack of penetration may occur.

The electrode rod can move along different trajectories. With experience, each welder chooses “his” option, and more often a combination of several movements

Various techniques are used to perform welding. Let's take a closer look at the main ones.

Option #1: Bottom Butt Joints

The most common and easiest way to connect parts. With a metal thickness of up to 0.8 cm, two-sided welding is used. For metal joints thinner than 0.4 cm, only one-sided welding is performed. For work, electrodes are selected, the diameter of which is equal to the thickness of the metal. If it exceeds 8 mm, welding is carried out with cutting edges. In this case, the cutting angle is about 30°.

Welding is performed in several passes. It is advisable to use removable linings made of steel or copper to avoid burns. The first pass is performed with an electrode of small diameter, no more than 4 mm. In the process of making the first seam, its accuracy and depth of penetration are very important. After its application, there should be no melted metal behind the edges.

For the second and all subsequent passes, electrode rods of a larger diameter are used. They are chosen for high-quality filling of the recess formed between the edges. The electrode is slowly moved along the seam, while performing oscillatory movements, as if swinging the electrode from side to side, in order to completely fill the voids with molten metal.

Option #2: bottom gussets

Experienced welders claim that good results can be achieved if the corners are welded into the boat. This means that the parts to be joined are set at an angle of 45° or another. Thus, the highest quality penetration of the walls of the product is ensured, and the risk of undercutting and lack of penetration is reduced. This method of welding makes it possible to weld seams of large cross section in one pass.

The masters remind that when welding a T-type corner joint, the electric arc should be ignited only on a horizontal plane

There are two types of welding "in the boat" - symmetrical and asymmetric:

• In the first case, the slope of the parts is 45°. The probability of sagging or undercutting of one of the walls is minimal. Welding of reverse and direct polarity is carried out at maximum current values. When conducting reverse polarity welding, the length of the electric arc should be minimal.
• The asymmetrical "boat" assumes that the parts are tilted at an angle of 60 ° or 30 °. This option is very convenient if the work is performed in hard-to-reach places, since the amplitude of the movement of the electrode is small. The welder directs the arc to the very root of the seam, while making sure that it does not go beyond the future seam. Also, it is not allowed to deposit too much metal in one pass.

Corner joints can be of the T-type, so you need to learn how to weld metal correctly and without errors by electric welding in several passes. The use of a single pass is only possible when simple structures are welded with sides that form a 45° angle at the fillet weld. The diameter of the electrode in this case cannot exceed the thickness of the metal by more than 0.15-0.3 cm.

Standard multi-pass tee welding is performed as follows. For the first pass, an electrode of a larger diameter is taken than those selected for subsequent passes. For example, an electrode is used, the dimensions of which vary from 0.4 to 0.6 cm.

Some welds are made in multiple passes. In this case, the size of the electrode for the first pass and for all subsequent passes is different.

Welding is carried out smoothly, without transverse oscillatory movements. When performing other passes, they are necessarily performed. It is important that the oscillation amplitude is within the allowable joint width. Another significant moment. When performing T-welding of a fillet joint, the electric arc must always be ignited on a horizontal shelf.

When doing do-it-yourself electric welding of corners, you can use an overlap type of connection. In this case, the parts to be welded are located one on top of the other with an overlap. The arc with direct polarity welding should be short, with reverse - as short as possible. Direct the arc exactly to the root of the connection.

In the process of welding, it is necessary to perform small-amplitude reciprocating movements with the electrode. Thus, it will be possible to evenly heat the entire area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe connection. In this case, the weld pool will be evenly filled, and the seam will turn out to be convex and full-sized.

Option #3: Vertical Seams

Seams directed vertically are performed only with a short arc. The operating current in this case should be 10% -20% less than in the process of welding parts in the lower position. These requirements are easily explained. A lower current strength means that the molten liquid metal will not drain from the weld pool. A smaller arc is more convenient to work with.

Welding vertical seams has its own characteristics. They are explained by the fact that in this position the liquid metal can flow down the seam. Therefore, the welding current and the angle of inclination of the electrode must be correctly selected.

Experienced welders prefer to weld vertical seams from the bottom up. The arc is set on fire at the lowest point of the future seam. After that, a small horizontally located platform is prepared, the dimensions of which correspond to the cross section of the future seam. Then slowly move the electrode rod up. In this case, movements across the connection are necessarily performed.

They can be in the form of a Christmas tree, a corner or a crescent. The last option is the easiest to do. In addition, it is important to observe the correct position of the electrode. Theoretically, penetration is best performed if the rod is perpendicular to the seam, that is, horizontally.

Practice shows that in this position of the electrode rod, liquid metal flows down the seam. To avoid this, the angle of inclination of the rod is chosen within 45°-50°. This is the best option for vertical welding. For welding parts in the direction from the bottom up, choose electrodes whose diameter does not exceed 0.4 cm.

Option #4: pipeline details

At home, you often have to remember how to weld a metal pipe by electric welding. On the side of the part, a vertical seam is usually performed, along the circumference - a horizontal one. Steel pipes are butt welded. All edges must be well welded.

In order for the sagging inside the pipe to be minimal, the electrode is brought to the product at an angle of no more than 45 °. The width of the seam should be 0.6-0.8 cm, height - 0.2-0.3 cm.

Welding of pipes is carried out with different seams and in different areas. Depending on the wall thickness of the part and its location, the electrode diameter and the type of weld are selected.

Before starting welding work, the parts to be joined are thoroughly cleaned. The ends of the pipe are inspected. If they are deformed, they are straightened or cut off. Then the edges of the parts are cleaned to a metallic sheen from the inside and outside at a distance of at least 1 cm from the edge. Then they start welding.

The joint is welded without interruption until it is completely welded. For fixed joints of pipes with walls up to 0.6 mm wide, two welding passes are performed, for products with walls from 0.6 to 1.2 cm wide - three passes, for parts with walls wider than 1.9 cm - four passes. In this case, each subsequent seam is applied only after the scale has been removed from the previous one.

The quality of the first seam is most important. In the process of its implementation, all dullness and edges should completely melt. Cracks, even the smallest, should not be. If they are, they are smelted or cut down. After that, the fragment is brewed again. Similarly, welding of rotary pipes is performed.

Possible defects in welding joints and seams

Electric welding is a complex process and not always everything goes smoothly. As a result of errors in work, seams and joints may have various defects, including:

• Craters. Small indentations in the weld bead. May appear as a result of an arc break or an error in the execution of the final fragment of the seam.
• Pores. The welding seam becomes porous as a result of contamination of the edges of the parts with rust, oil, etc. In addition, porosity can appear when the seam is cooled too quickly, at high welding speeds and when working with wet electrodes.
• Undercuts. They look like small indentations on both sides of the seam bead. They appear when the electrodes are displaced in the direction of the vertical wall when welding corner joints. In addition, undercuts are formed when working with a long arc or if the welding current values ​​are too high.
• Slag inclusions. There are pieces of slag inside the welding bead. This can happen if the edges are dirty, the welding speed is high, or if the welding current is too low.

These are the most common weld defects, but there may be others.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

Features of pipe welding:

How to choose the right welding inverter:

If desired, any home master will be able to learn the basics of welding. It is not so difficult. It will take patience, accuracy and, of course, the exact execution of all instructions. Everything will be much easier if the process of mastering a new skill takes place under the guidance of an experienced specialist.

Welding inverters (with their low price of 7-10 thousand) form high-quality seams, even if they are in the hands of beginners. Of course, the work will turn out good if you follow simple rules. All of them are described in the article. However, before work, beginners need to read the instructions for the device. There are usually some useful tips, as well as safety precautions. Remember that everyone can learn to weld metal.

How a welding inverter works

Welding inverter - a tool for welding metal. It got its name from the fact that it converts alternating current into direct current. And although the inverter efficiency is about 90%, its power consumption is low, so you don’t have to worry about high electricity bills.

Most often, the welding inverter runs on 220 volts, some types - from 380. At the same time, it is possible to work at reduced voltage: a 3 mm electrode, for example, can be used at 170 volts.

It is much easier to weld with an inverter, compared to a transformer or rectifier. In addition, even a beginner can hold the arc. That is why most people learn the art of welding on it.

Preparation for work

What electrodes to use

The electrode is a rod made of metal, which is coated with a special coating - a slag mixture. Gas-forming substances are sometimes added to it. Coating will protect the molten metal from oxidation.

The rod is selected depending on the type of metal to be welded. For example, to work with carbon or stainless steel, you will need the UONII electrode grade. There are also universal electrodes. These include the ANO brand. They are used for reverse and forward current of any polarity.

The electrodes are also divided by diameter, which varies from 1.6 mm to 5 mm. The size is selected depending on the thickness of the metal being welded: the larger it is, the larger the diameter. A table may come in handy when working with a welding machine.

The thicker the rod, the more power the inverter welding machine must have. Therefore, for beginners, a diameter of no more than 4 mm is suitable; thin metal can be welded with an electrode and in 2 mm.

Polarity and value of welding current

The thickness to which the metal can be melted directly depends on the set current strength. The arc power is also determined by this indicator. The size of the electrode determines the required current strength.

Depending on the surface, the value of the welding current is selected. On horizontal surfaces it is maximum, on vertical surfaces it is less by about 15%, on overhanging surfaces it is 20%.

A household type welding machine can deliver up to 200 amperes. On a professional instrument, the values ​​\u200b\u200breach up to 250 and above. The direction in which the current flows will determine the polarity. On the inverter, it is possible to change the polarity.

As you know, the current moves from minus to plus. Therefore, the "+" terminal heats up more. This feature allows for high-quality metal welding. In the event that the parts to be welded are thick, then the positive terminal is connected to one of the parts. This method is called direct polarity.

A negative terminal is attached to thin products. This connection method is called reverse polarity.

Welding instruction

Welding basics

Before proceeding directly to the welding of metal products, you need to study the main design features of the inverter welding machine. They are shown in the diagram.

The inverter itself has an average weight: up to 7-8 kg. A high-quality tool has a ventilation grill on the side of the metal case, which prevents the transformer from overheating.

There is an on/off button on the back panel. On the front there are two connectors: "+" and "-". A cable is connected to them, at one end of which there is an electrode, and at the other - a clamp. The cables themselves must be of sufficient length and flexible.

Step by step instructions on how to cook with an inverter.

1. Inverter welding begins with the preparation of protective equipment. At your disposal is a welding mask, a thick jacket, rough but not rubber gloves.
2. Select an electrode. If you are a beginner, then do not use a rod thicker than 4 mm. On the front panel, adjust the desired amperage. Wait a little; If you bring the electrode directly to the metal, sticking will occur.
3. We fasten the clamp (it is also called the mass terminal) to the metal surface.
4. The arc is ignited. Then we bring the electrode to the metal and touch it a couple of times. Thus, the rod is, as it were, “activated”. The distance at which the electrode is held is usually equal to its diameter.
5. The rod during welding can move according to such schemes.

Arc ignition at the beginning of welding + (Video)

Striking the arc is the first step, and beginners have problems with it. First, the rod is tapped a little on the metal so that the grease is removed from it. Then a method similar to lighting a match is applied. The electrode is led over the surface of the product and slightly touches it. If suddenly the rod sticks to the metal, it is either sharply removed from the side, or the inverter is completely turned off.

You need to strike until a bright arc appears. To prevent the arc from disappearing, keep the electrode at a distance of 4 mm from the metal.

How to move the electrode during welding + (Video)

The electrode can only move along certain trajectories. They have already been shown. If you move the electrode only straight, the seam will come out discontinuous. The speed of its movement affects the properties of the seam. If you move quickly, the seam will be narrow and not convex, if slowly - wide and convex. In the place where the seam will end, the electrode is delayed for 3-4 seconds.

How to form a weld and avoid defects + (Video)

An uneven seam, most often, is formed when the electrode moves too fast. Speaking about creating an even and high-quality seam, you need to introduce the concept of a weld pool. The weld pool is that part of the metal that is in a liquid state during welding. Filler material enters this part. The appearance of a pool is a good sign that the welding is proceeding correctly.

The contour of the bath is located under the surface of the metal part. The bath forms a good seam if the welding arc passes evenly and to a great depth into the workpiece. It is necessary to ensure that the seam does not go down, but remains at the level of the surface. A good connection is easier to create if the electrode is moved in a circular motion. In this case, the bath should be distributed in a circle.

When seaming corners, remember that the tub moves with heat. Adjust the force of the arc to control the dimensions of the tubs.

The seam will not be too convex if you keep the electrode close to the vertical position. If you tilt the rod (for example, by 45˚), then the seam will begin to emerge. And when the electrode is very close to the horizontal position, the bath begins to diverge, and the seam is bent. Therefore, the optimal tilt angles are from 45˚ to 90˚.

Arc gap control

The arc gap is the distance between the metal surface and the electrode. The gap at each stage must be the same so that the welding is of high quality and without defects.

If the gap is small, then the weld will turn out to be too convex, and the material itself will not fuse well. This happens because the product cannot heat up. With a large gap, the welding arc will move from side to side, and the seam will come out crooked and fragile. The correct gap shown in the figure will give good penetration and a smooth seam.

How to weld thin metal sheets + (Video)

For welding thin metal, it is preferable to use the reverse connection of the inverter, i.e. "-" is attached to the sheet. In this case, the current strength should be at medium values. It is better to choose an electrode that will have a long melting time. The MT-2 model is well suited. It has been used by welders for a long time, so it has proven itself well.

The rod, in the case of thin metal, can be tilted by about 35˚. First, you carefully bring it closer to the metal, then wait for a red spot to appear, turning into a drop. Smoothly move the electrode so that the drop remains the same size. So the seam will be even.

Almost every person faced a situation when it was necessary to weld some kind of metal part. Most often this happens during construction work. It’s great if a man owns this process, but sometimes you have to turn to professionals in their field. But you can learn to weld on your own. Beginners usually start by learning the seams. Difficult work should begin only when the home master learns how to properly weld by welding with electrodes.

Basic concepts

Welding is by far the most reliable metal connection, because with it the materials are fused into one whole. The procedure takes place under the influence of high temperatures. Most welding machines use an electric arc to work.

The principle of its work is: it heats the metal in a certain small area to the melting point. This is called electric arc welding.

In the formation of an electric arc, both direct and alternating current can be used. For alternating, transformers are used, for constant, inverters are used.

It is easier to work with inverters, because they work from a 220 V network. They differ in small size and weight, about 4-8 kg. They make almost no noise and do not affect the voltage.

It is much more difficult to work with transformers, because the current is alternating, it affects power surges, which neighbors and household appliances are usually not very happy about. The device is large and heavy.

Thus it becomes obvious that for beginners, a welding inverter is more suitable.

Required Tools

Welding requires a set of tools and special protection. This is directly the welding machine itself, electrodes, hammer and brush. The diameter of the electrodes depends on the material to be worked on.

Don't forget about protection. A welding mask is required to protect the eyes, as well as thick clothing and suede gloves and sturdy shoes. Another useful device that converts alternating current to direct current is a rectifier, inverter or transformer.

Work technology

In order for an electric arc to occur, conductive elements are needed: in this case, it is a metal and an electrode. When the metal and the electrode come into contact, an electric arc appears. In the same place, the metal immediately begins to melt, simultaneously with it the electrode melts, which is transferred to the weld pool.

The protective surface of the electrode also burns in the process, while partially evaporating and releasing a certain amount of gases. These gases create a curtain and protect the metal from oxidation. Also, the metal is covered with slag, which helps the metal by maintaining the temperature.

The formation of a seam occurs when the electrode is moved, which is the whole secret of welding. More it is necessary to monitor the angle of inclination and current parameters. After the metal cools, a slag crust remains on it, which protects the metal from oxidation. The slag is then beaten off with a hammer.

How to learn to cook

At first, it is necessary to carry out welding work under the supervision of an experienced welder, he will show how to learn how to weld by welding, give advice and help in case of problems. You can practice on a piece of metal.

For beginner welders 3 mm electrode is most suitable. It costs a little more, but is easier to work with. Later, as experience is gained, it will be possible to move on to other options. You can fix it in a special holder, which can be spring and screw and is attached to one of the cables. After fixing the electrode, you can start connecting the cables.

On the welding machine there are two exits: positive and negative. There are also two cables, one of them ends with a holder where the electrode is inserted, the other with a special clamp.

For conventional types of welding, direct polarity is connected: minus goes to the electrode, plus to the part. But in some works, reverse polarity is used.

Electric Welding Process

After preparing all the details and devices, you can get to work. First of all, a cable with a clamp is attached. Then you need to check the other cable for insulation and secure fixation of the electrode. Then the current power is set on the welding machine depending on the diameter of the selected electrode.

The electric arc is ignited. To do this, you need a little touch the electrode to the metal, sparks should splatter. After the first contact, the electrode touches the metal and rises to a height of 5 mm.

The height of 5 mm must be maintained throughout the operation. During the process, the electrode should burn out and it will need to be changed. It can also periodically stick to the metal, in which case it is necessary to swing it slightly.

After ignition of the arc, you can proceed to the welding of the bead. This is done with light oscillatory movements, smoothly moving the electrode. As a result of the operation, a seam with a slight deposition of metal should be obtained.

The movement of the electrode can proceed in three directions:

• Translational.
• Transverse.
• Longitudinal.

During operation, you can superimpose one option on another. Each master prefers to work in his own direction. After all, the main task is to reliably connect metals, and how this happens is not so important.

Some nuances

It is not enough just to drive an electrode over metal. You need to know some of the nuances of welding and how to properly weld a certain metal. One of them is that the seam "pulls" the part, which can lead them. And in the end, the result will not be the one that the master expected. Most often, this problem can be avoided by grabbing the part in several places, approximately every 10 cm. This is done from two sides, after which the main work begins.

How to choose the right current

In addition to bonding metal before welding, you need to know what current value to set in certain situations. It all depends on the thickness of the metal being worked on and the diameter of the electrode.

But sometimes the voltage may suddenly drop, the inverter will not be able to respond to this situation on its own. In this case, you just need to slow down the movement of the electrode, achieving warming up. It can also help to re-draw the electrode along the seams. If that doesn't help, you can put an electrode of smaller diameter.

Pipe welding

With electric arc welding, it is possible to make a horizontal seam that runs around the circumference of the pipe and a vertical one that runs on the side, as well as top and bottom seams. The most convenient option is the bottom seam.

Steel pipes must be welded end-to-end, while welding all the edges along the height of the walls. During operation, the electrode must be installed at an angle of 45 degrees - this is done in order to reduce the influx inside the products. The width of the seam should be 2-3 mm, height - 6-8 mm. If welding overlaps, then the required width is already 6-8 mm, and the height is 3 mm.

Immediately before starting work preparations need to be made:

• You need to clean up the item.
• If the edges of the pipe are deformed, then align them or cut them off with an angle grinder, or in a simple grinder.
• The edges where the seam will pass must be cleaned to a shine.

After preparation, you can get to work. Necessary weld all joints continuously, fully welding. Pipe joints with a width of up to 6 mm are welded in 2 layers, with a width of 6–12 mm in 3 layers and with a wall width of more than 19 mm in 4 layers. The main feature is the constant cleaning of pipes from slag, i.e. after each completed layer, it is necessary to clean it from slag and only then cook a new one. Particular care must be taken when working on the first seam, it is necessary to melt all dullness and edges. The first layer is carefully checked for cracks, if they are present, then they must be melted or cut down and welded on again.

All subsequent layers are welded by slowly turning the pipe. The last layer is welded with a smooth transition to the base metal.

Mistakes of beginner welders

To learn how to cook with electric welding, you need to consider common mistakes newbies make:

All of the above errors are only the most gross. There are many more nuances that can only be understood with experience.

When welding thin-walled metal or profile requires a careful approach. Thin parts can be welded by applying a cleaned electrode and welding directly on top of it.

Welding on non-ferrous metals is strikingly different, since it requires other electrodes. A special protective environment is also needed. Now you can buy universal devices that cook almost any metal.

There are also semi-automatic devices for working with thin-walled metals. Its essence lies in the deposition of a special wire.

Electric welding for beginners is not an easy task. But with enough desire, it can be mastered. You just need to follow the basic rules and listen to the advice of more experienced craftsmen. As a result, it will be possible to move on to complex tasks, honing your skills.

In everyday life in your own home, in a summer cottage or in a garage, there are always many things that require the skills of a welder. This skill is especially useful when building with your own hands. In nature, there is no more reliable way to connect two metal parts than welding. And it is quite possible to learn this skill on your own and use the acquired skill with benefit. Today we will figure out how to learn how to cook with electric welding and independently master the basics of this specialty.

To understand how to cook with electric welding, you first need to familiarize yourself with the theory of the welding process.

The connection of metal parts into a monolith by welding is by far the most reliable and durable method. This is achieved by obtaining a high temperature. The vast majority of welding machines use an electric arc to melt metals: this is the so-called electric arc welding of metals. At the point of impact, it heats the metal to its melting point and does this in a limited area.

The appearance of an electric arc occurs due to current - direct or alternating. The first is typical for inverter welding units, the second - for transformers. Let's consider them in more detail.

• The transformer greatly complicates the welding process. Due to the alternating current, the welding arc constantly jumps, the welding process is quite noisy. Another significant disadvantage of such devices is the strong impact on the electrical network, which results in power surges;
• The inverter is simpler and quieter in operation, powered by 220V. Because of the DC current, the arc is easier to control and move. If there is a need to learn how to cook by electric welding, then lesson number 1 is best taken on an inverter machine.

The formation of an electric arc becomes possible in the presence of two elements that conduct current and have opposite charges. In welding, it is the metal and the electrode. It is rational for a novice welder to use a traditional electrode with a central metal element.

To understand how to cook metal correctly, you need to clearly understand the ongoing processes:

• An electric arc appears at the moment of contact between a metal part and an electrode;
• In the place where the arc is formed, the welded metal is melted;
• Together with the metal, the electrode itself is melted, its molten particles move into the weld pool;
• The protective coating that covers the electrode rod also burns and forms a gas cloud. It protects the bath from exposure to oxygen. This ensures that the metal melting temperature is maintained at the welding site;
• The slag formed during welding also contributes to maintaining the temperature. It is necessary to control that the slag encloses the weld pool;
• The seam during welding is formed at the moment of movement of the electrode and the movement of the pool;
• When the metal cools after welding, a slag crust remains on it. It is beaten off with a hammer.

This is welding theory. It is impossible to understand how to properly weld metal without experience, so let's turn to practice.

Cooking Tools

Before you cook by electric welding, you must prepare all the tools and clothing for protection:

• Welding machine and electrodes to it. We recommend that you stock up on a sufficient number of electrodes for practice. The proverb "the first pancake is lumpy" in the field of training in the welding profession works without exception;
• Protection: Welding mask, protective clothing and thick gloves. It is impossible to neglect protection during welding work. It's a matter of health and safety!
• Ancillary tools - a hammer and a brush for metal - to remove weld slag;
• Object for training - metal elements;
• Bucket with water. Literally just in case of a fire.

The choice of electrodes is made in accordance with the thickness of the metal to be welded, and the setting of the current depends on the electrode. 1 mm of the electrode takes about 30-40 A, it is important not to exceed these values, otherwise the arc will not cook, but cut the metal.

Let's start welding

So, let's figure out step by step how to properly weld metal by welding. Probably, to obtain an acceptable result, you will have to repeat this algorithm more than once. But having learned, you will quickly get used to the role of a welder and will be able to perform quite complex operations.

First of all, we place the electrode in a special holder. Now you need to light the arc. The electrode should be held at an angle of approximately 70° to the surface, this position is optimal.

1. After setting the angle between the electrode and the metal, draw a fast line moving at about 10 cm per second. With the correct position, sparks and crackling will appear - this is a sure sign.
2. Leaving the optimal angle of inclination of the electrode, they need to touch the metal and immediately raise the electrode so that a track of 3-5 mm is formed. If everything is done correctly, then the arc will burn and the metal will begin to melt.
3. It is not uncommon for the electrode to stick to the base. In this case, it is necessary to shake it slightly and tear it off, and then again ignite the arc. Frequent sticking of the electrode may indicate too little current. Try boosting it and compare the results.
4. Once the ignition of the arc and its holding in a stable state are mastered, it is possible to proceed with the welding of the bead. The clamped arc moves smoothly along the weld. At the same time, movements are made that, as it were, rake in the molten metal. This is achieved by uniform oscillatory movements with an amplitude of about 2-3 mm. The more measured the movement, the more beautiful the welded seam will turn out. By the way, the uniformity of the seam indicates its high quality and strength.

At the first stage, it is best to train on a thick piece of metal and try to draw various paths with an arc - from simple measured movements with a small amplitude to more complex and patterned seams. These skills will be useful in subsequent work and will allow you to get a good feel for how to cook and what angle of inclination of the electrode is better to choose.

After welding is completed, it is necessary to wait until the metal has cooled down. The weld will be closed by slag. To make it fly off, it is enough to knock on the part with a hammer or brush over the iron.

Some moments of welding work

Of course, welding does not consist in writing intricate patterns on a piece of metal. All of the above is only preparation and training for this rather difficult craft. The main purpose of welding is the reliable fastening of metal elements and it is necessary to strive for it in your training.

Welding of metal elements has many nuances, acquaintance and understanding of which will come with experience. But there are some theoretical points that you need to know before practice:

• It is wrong to connect two parts at once with a continuous and long seam. In most cases, this warps the metal, as the seam begins to tighten the elements;
• Before performing the main seam, it is necessary to grab the parts to each other. To do this, small spot seams are made at the junctions of two parts in increments of 8-25 cm, depending on the size of the fastened elements.
• Fastening seams are best performed on both sides of the welding surface, so the possible stress of the metal is minimized.
• After the tacks are completed, the main seam is made.

Summing up

Welding requires special knowledge, skills and special equipment. Please note that this is a rather complicated and dangerous process that requires strict adherence to safety regulations.

Welding skills require a certain amount of time and practice. There is nothing wrong with training on a piece of unnecessary metal. This allows you to fill your hand and understand the essence of the welding process.

Before you start welding parts, you should hone your knowledge of the welding machine and the ability to weld seams on workpieces and then move on to more complex elements.

Thanks to the reliability and durability of welding joints, there is not a single industry left that does not use this technology. In the household, it is also sometimes impossible to do without welding. Possession of skills in working with an electric welding machine will allow you to create any metal structures, from a simple fence in a summer cottage to an openwork garden swing or a multifunctional barbecue grill. We will tell you how to properly weld by welding, and reveal all the tricks and secrets of this craft so that your first seam is not only strong, but also neat.

Learning to cook with electric welding. Video tutorial

In order to learn how to cook by electric welding, it is not enough to study the theoretical foundations and learn the secrets of craftsmanship. Only the experience that is gained with every centimeter of the weld can bring you closer to the ability to weld metals.

A video on how to cook by electric welding will help you understand all the nuances of this craft, tell you about what other materials and tools, in addition to the welding machine, will be needed during the work.

Made in the form of step-by-step lessons, the video of the welding process begins with a story about the preparation of surfaces before welding. Next, you will learn how to perform the simplest seams, and only after that you can begin to connect the parts.

Thanks to the recommendations in the video, welding your first structure will not be a big deal, and quality control of the seams will show how well you have mastered the welding technique. Watch a video on how to cook with electric welding, prepare theoretically, and then pick up an electrode and start creating.

Welding process technology

In order to learn how to cook by welding, you need to know that electric arc welding is a process of joining metals using an electric arc between the surface of the workpiece to be welded and the electrode . The resulting high temperature contributes to the simultaneous melting of the electrode and the metal base. This creates the so-called weld pool, in which the base metal is mixed with the molten electrode.

Bath size directly depends on welding welding mode, edge shapes surfaces to be joined, electrode movement speed, the position of parts in space etc. and ranges from 7 to 15 mm wide, 10-30 mm long and up to 6 mm deep.

The metal does not burn from high temperature gas layer, formed during the melting of the electrode coating, which displaces all oxygen from the melting zone. After the electric arc is removed, the metal crystallizes and forms common seam for welded surfaces, covered with a protective layer of slag, which is removed after cooling.

The advantages of electric arc welding are :

• high performance;
• the possibility of welding various materials without the need for readjustment of equipment;
• good quality of the weld;
• inexpensive consumables;
• availability.

AT disadvantages of this method welding, you can record the mandatory presence of power supply and the need for preliminary preparation of the edges to be welded.

Getting ready to weld. Choice of materials and equipment

Before you start welding by welding, you need to understand for yourself that this process is accompanied by the formation of sparks and splashes of molten metal, the release of toxic gases and a danger to the eyes.

Therefore, in order to safely weld metal, it is necessary to stock up not only with good equipment, but also with the appropriate equipment.To start cooking with electric welding, you will need:

• welding machine;
• a set of rod coated electrodes;
• welder's hammer;
• metal brush;
• welding mask;
• overalls, suede gloves.

It is possible to cook by arc welding without a factory set of overalls. It is important that the protective suit is made of dense fabric with long sleeves, and it is better to tuck trousers into boots.

Choosing a welding machine

A good welding machine with the ability to adjust the current strength from 10 to 200A will help you learn how to cook by welding correctly. Of course, you can assemble a simple welding transformer with your own hands, but then you don’t even have to think about how to weld thin metal, because such work requires minimum power values. Factory-made devices are divided into:

• Welding transformers . Designed to lower the mains voltage while increasing the current. Being inexpensive and productive devices, they can weld metal quite well, however, they have disadvantages in the form of an unstable arc, a strong "drawdown" of the supply voltage and a large mass.

• Welding rectifiers . Such devices are the same welding transformers equipped with a diode rectifier, thanks to which the alternating mains voltage is converted into a direct voltage necessary for the appearance of an electric arc. Welding metal with rectifiers is a little easier due to the higher arc stability. Otherwise, this type of welding machine has the same disadvantages as transformers.

• Welding inverters . Real electronic welding is possible thanks to the modern technological stuffing of such devices. They provide a lot of opportunities in order to cook with electrodes with the most optimal parameters. The electronic components of the circuit of modern inverters allow you to adjust not only the current strength, but also the ignition speed, arc forcing, etc., which ensures excellent weldability of parts. In addition, the inverters are compact and light in weight.

About what kind of welding is best to cook, disputes among welders go on unabated. Someone likes the simplicity and reliability of the transformer, someone is satisfied with manual welding with a rectifier. However, learning how to cook by welding is best done with a welding inverter. The ability to fine-tune the parameters will allow you to weld metal correctly from the very first steps.

Selection of electrodes for welding

For manual arc welding rod electrodes with protective coating . The metal of the rod must match the type of metals being welded, so different electrodes are used to weld steel, bronze or magnesium alloys.

The coating of the rod during the welding process melts and turns into slag, which, floating on the surface of the weld pool, protects the melt from the influence of oxygen and nitrogen in the air. Some coatings contain gas-forming additives, which, during the welding process, release a gas that limits the access of air to the melting zone.

Most often, the question of which electrodes to weld with is not worth it for beginner welders, since they usually begin to learn the craft by welding simple low-carbon structural steels.

The use of welding rectifiers makes it possible to use for such, as well as stainless alloys, UONII brand electrodes designed for direct current operation.

Electrodes of another brand - ANO , can be used for welding with both rectifiers and transformers, they allow welding with both direct and reverse current, so amateurs use them much more often than UONII.

Meanwhile, professionals in the question of which electrodes are better give preference to UONII. They cite as an argument the fact that this type of rod leaves much less slag behind, therefore cleaning the seam is required much less often, which significantly increases the speed of work.

Depending on the thickness of the parts to be welded, electrodes with a diameter of 1.6 to 5 mm are used. In addition, 4-5mm rods are used for cutting metals, setting the maximum current.

You can determine the required electrode diameter from the tables of the dependence of this parameter on the thickness of the parts, as well as using mathematical formulas. Novice welders rarely use rods with a thickness over 4mm.

Type of welding work(horizontal, overhanging, butt welding, etc.) practically does not depend on the diameter of the electrodes, which cannot be said about weld pool depth and seam width.

Since the specific welding current depends on the electrode cross section, the current concentration is higher at the end of a thin rod, so the penetration depth will be greater than when using a thick electrode. In turn, the use of rods with a diameter of 4-5 mm melts the metal less, forming a wider seam.

As you can see, it is impossible to answer exactly which electrodes to weld, since the right choice must take into account a lot of factors, ranging from the type of welding machine to the required width of the weld. In addition, it should be borne in mind that the quality of even the same brand of electrodes can vary significantly among products from different factories, so before you start welding, ask experts for advice.

We select the current strength and its polarity for welding with an electrode

After watching a video on how to cook by welding, you probably noticed the need current adjustment depending on the thickness of the parts and the diameter of the electrode. As a rule, it is not difficult for experienced welders to set the required value. For beginners, it is better to turn to special tables. Often the required parameters are indicated by electrode manufacturers on their packaging.

In order to weld metal correctly, the required current strength is determined by calculation or from tables, and then this parameter is set on the inverter control panel. The higher the current, the higher the arc power and the deeper the weld pool. . However, do not exceed the optimal value - the metal will begin to burn out and the seam will be of poor quality.

When setting the current value in order to cook by electric welding, be sure to take into account the location of the place of work. Maximum current is set for horizontal surfaces. When welding vertical seams it decrease by 15%, a ceiling demand current reduction by 20% and more.

If you cook with inverter welding or a rectifier, then the quality of work is affected not only by the current strength, but also by its polarity , that is, the direction of electron flow.

From the course of physics, everyone knows that electrons move from a region of negative charge to a region of positive. In order to properly weld the electrode, the polarity is changed by setting both the direct current (the electrode is connected to the minus of the inverter, and the part to the plus) and the reverse. Most often, a direct connection is used, since the part warms up more in this case, however, for welding thin products, the polarity is changed by switching the inverter terminals. Reverse polarity is also used for welding alloyed alloys that are prone to burnout of low-melting master alloys.

The good news for those who want to know how to weld with electrode welding is that reverse connection makes it easier to strike the arc . In addition, it is characterized by higher stability, which is an invaluable advantage when welding thin parts with an electrode, for example, sheet steel.

Safety precautions when carrying out welding work

Every novice welder wants to be reminded of the safety rules. Remember that welding is one of the most dangerous methods of mounting metal structures, so do not neglect the following rules:

• It is forbidden to carry out welding work in high humidity, as well as in frost.
• The use of a welder's mask and protective shield is mandatory. This will avoid burns to the cornea of ​​​​the eyes.
• Clothing should prevent splashes of metal on exposed skin. It is better to wear suede gloves on your hands, and the best material for a welder's suit is a dense canvas.
• Welding work is associated with high temperatures and the risk of fire, so a container with water and a fire extinguisher must be present at the welder's workplace.

Also, be aware of the risk of electric shock, so avoid getting moisture on the welding machine, make sure that the cables do not touch hot surfaces.

Manual arc welding technique. How to cook by welding

Before proceeding to practical exercises, I would like to remind you once again about safety precautions. No wooden workbenches and combustible materials near the place of work. Be sure to put a container of water in the workplace. Be aware of the risk of fire.

In order to figure out how to properly weld by welding, we present to your attention detailed instructions and a video of the welding process.

First try to strike the arc and hold it for the required time. To do this, follow our advice:

1. Using a metal brush, it is required to clean the surfaces of the parts to be welded from dirt and rust. If necessary, their edges are adjusted to each other.
2. It is best to learn how to cook by electric welding correctly with direct current, so connect the “positive” terminal to the part, install the electrode in the clamp, and set the required current strength on the welding machine.
3. Tilt the electrode with respect to the workpiece at an angle of about 60° and slowly pass it over the metal surface. If sparks appear, lift the end of the rod 5 mm to ignite the electric arc. Perhaps you failed to get sparks due to a layer of coating or slag on the edge of the electrode. In this case, tap the part with the tip of the electrode, as suggested in the video on how to properly weld with electric welding. The emerging arc is maintained with a 5 mm welding gap throughout the entire welding process.
4. If the arc lights up very reluctantly, and the electrode sticks to the metal surface all the time, increase the current by 10-20 A. If the electrode sticks, shake the holder from side to side, possibly even with force.
5. Remember that the rod will burn out all the time, so only maintaining a gap of 3-5 mm will allow you to keep a stable arc.

Learning to light the arc , try to slowly move the electrode towards you, while making movements with an amplitude of 3-5 mm from side to side.Try to direct the melt from the periphery towards the center of the weld pool. Having welded a seam about 5 cm long, remove the electrode and let the parts cool, then tap with a hammer at the junction in order to knock down the slag. The correct seam has a monolithic wavy structure without craters and inhomogeneities.

The purity of the seam directly depends on the size of the arc and the correct movement of the electrode during welding. Watch a video on how to cook by welding, filmed using protective filters. In such videos, you can clearly see how to maintain the arc and move the electrode to obtain a high-quality seam. We can make the following recommendations:

• Translational motion of the rod along the axis maintain the required length of the arc. During melting, the length of the electrode decreases, so it is necessary to constantly bring the holder with the rod closer to the part, observing the required clearance. This is what is emphasized in numerous videos on how to learn how to cook.
• Longitudinal movement of the electrode create a deposition of the so-called thread roller, the width of which is usually 2-3 mm greater than the diameter of the rod, and the thickness depends on the speed of movement and current strength. The thread roller is a real narrow weld.
• To increase the width of the seam the electrode is moved across its line, carrying out oscillatory reciprocating movements. The width of the weld will depend on the magnitude of their amplitude, so the magnitude of the amplitude is determined based on specific conditions.

The welding process uses a combination of these three movements to form a complex path.

After reviewing the video on how to weld with electric welding and having studied the diagrams of such trajectories, you can figure out which of them can be used for overlap or butt welding, with vertical or ceiling arrangement of parts, etc.

During operation, the electrode will melt completely sooner or later. In this case, welding is stopped and the rod in the holder is replaced. To continue working knock down slag and at a distance of 12mm from the crater formed at the end of the seam, set fire to the arc. Then the end of the old seam is fused with a new electrode and work continues.

Features of electric welding of metal pipes

It is best to learn how to weld profile pipes on thick-walled products using a welding rectifier or inverter. Depending on the diameter of the pipes, wall thicknesses can reach over 16mm, but you will most likely need to weld structural steel products with wall thicknesses up to 12mm. To weld a pipe, one-layer welding is often used, but to increase the strength of the joint, it is better to perform two or more passes.

When welding pipes, the seams are performed two half rings top down or bottom up.

If the direction of movement of the electrode corresponds to the first option, then 4-mm rods with low slag formation and organic coating are used. Such a coating burns out more slowly, forming a visor at the end of the electrode, on which they rely, performing transverse oscillations of small amplitude.

When welding from the bottom up, the amplitude is increased to 3-5 mm, and the speed of the rod is reduced.

Pipe connections perform:

• Butt (exact orientation of the ends of one pipe relative to another);
• Overlapping (overlapping pipes or parts on top of each other);
• Angle;
• Tee joint (one pipe is perpendicular to the other).

In order to weld one pipe to another, first clean up and prepare their ends and stack products in the workplace. Next, the elements are centered relative to each other and tacked in several places with spot seams. After checking the alignment of the pipe, it can be welded using one of the indicated methods.

If it is impossible to turn the pipes, they joints are made in layers. The first, root layer, serves for the initial connection of parts. The next, filling layers are designed to create a really strong, monolithic seam. And, if necessary, they perform a finishing, facing seam, which covers all defects and irregularities. A video on how to weld a pipe will help you better understand the features of such work.

After cleaning the seams from slag, the surface is carefully inspected for lack of penetration, pores, cracks and burns. If necessary, defects are eliminated by welding. If the seam meets all the requirements, then it is cleaned with an angle grinder.

Protection of metal from corrosion after welding

Remember, at the very beginning of the article it was said that in order to properly cook by electric welding, it is not enough to watch the video, but you also need to prepare theoretically? Agree that the text allows you to better understand the theory. Also, the videos somehow miss the need to protect details later on. We will try to eliminate this shortcoming.

Everyone knows that metal under the influence of atmospheric oxygen quickly begins to rust. Believe me, welds corrode even faster.

In order to protect metal surfaces from corrosion, painting is most often used. In order not to repeat this work every year, do it according to all the rules.

Primarily, Remove old paint and rust . To do this, it is best to use metal brush attachments for a drill or grinder, but you can also work with a regular metal brush. Remember to protect your eyes with goggles or a shield.

After cleaning the surface treat it with a rust converter, and then coat it with a primer . Choose a primer composition specifically designed for metal work. After this layer has dried, you can start painting. A good result is given by acrylic and pentaphthalic enamels intended for outdoor use.

It is best to use not a brush or roller, but a spray gun for staining purposes. With it, you can apply a uniform, thin layer of paint that will not crack or peel off over time.