Stick welding
How does stick welding work?
Quick answer
Stick welding (MMAW/SMAW — Manual Metal Arc Welding): a flux-coated consumable electrode burns under its own shielding gas, with slag chipped off after. It's the process most Australian workshops default to for general steel fabrication.
What's happening at the arc
In Stick welding (MMAW/SMAW — Manual Metal Arc Welding), an electric arc (or, for laser, a focused beam) delivers intense localized heat that melts the base metal and, where used, the filler. The shielding gas — no shielding gas needed — keeps air off the pool; without it the weld goes porous and weak.
Where it fits in Australian workshops
The Australian site standard: 3.2 mm E4813/E4824-class rods at 100–140 A cover most farm and site repairs.
Settings by thickness
| Thickness | Rod | Current |
|---|---|---|
| ~2 mm | 2.0 mm | 40–70 A |
| 3–4 mm | 2.6 mm | 70–110 A |
| 6 mm | 3.2 mm | 100–140 A |
| 10 mm+ | 4.0 mm | 140–190 A |