Controlling Arc Length When Arc Welding

Part of the Video Series Arc Welding Tips For Beginning Welders

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Learn how to use proper arc length for welding in this free DIY video for beginners.

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Video Transcript

Controlling Arc Length When Arc Welding
Hi! This is John from expertvillage.com. In this video clip I will be discussing proper arc length. Now arc length is the distance your electrode is from the base metal while you are welding. A good tip for setting your arc length is you want your arc length to be the same distance away from the metal, as the electrode is thick. So if my electrode here is in eighth of an inch, then I want my arc length while I am welding to be an eighth of an inch as well. Another thing to remember as you weld, your electrode gets shorter, so you continuously need to push that electrode closer to your base metal. If your arc length is too short, you are going to have a bad weld and if your arc length is too long, you are going to have a bad weld as well.

About the Expert

Expert: Jon Olson holds a Bachelors of Science in education and human sciences. He currently teaches MIG, arc, and gas welding at the high school level. Read More