Buying a welding inverter today does not cause absolutely any problems. The cost of this device is about 5 thousand rubles. But it is not enough just to buy an inverter, you need to know the basic rules for handling it.
Modern devices, in comparison with ancient transformers, which were previously used for welding, of course, benefit significantly. Their first and main advantage is that the electrical network does not experience too much stress during the operation of the inverter, even if the electrode sticks.
If you are taking the first steps in self-welding, you will certainly encounter sticking electrodes. Inexperienced welders manage to avoid this problem in isolated cases. You also need to learn how to hold the arc, get acquainted with the numerous nuances that arise when working with an inverter.
Can electrode sticking be avoided?
Ask your electric welder acquaintances about their first work experience. I think they will tell you a story about how an electrode stuck to a metal surface.
Modern manufacturers are trying their best to reduce the suffering of novice welders, and therefore endowed their machines with the "anti-stick" option. However, it is not a panacea and is not able to save from poor ignition or too small an arc.
The most common causes of electrode sticking are the following:
1. The electrodes are too damp.
In fact, the electrodes are of a simple design. They are a rod made of metal and coated with plaster. This coating is made from a special powder. If it becomes damp during storage or operation, then it becomes problematic to ignite and hold the arc.
The problem can be eliminated by baking the electrodes for at least 40 minutes. In this case, the temperature should not be lower than 120 degrees.
2. Wrong electrode selection.
Those who have been working with welding machines for a long time are able to distinguish between electrodes designed for AC or DC. Inexperienced welders can easily confuse them. As a result, the electrode will stick to the work surface.
3. Illiterate attempts to ignite the electrode.
This is one of the biggest mistakes novice welders make. The electrode can stick to the metal already during arc ignition. In such a case, you need to hit the surface with the electrode, and then remove it to the side. This will help keep the arc from ruining.
4. Error while configuring the inverter.
Before starting any welding process, you need to carefully read it, comprehend the basics. If the current strength is insufficient during operation, it will not be possible to achieve a stable arc. As a result, sticking of the electrode cannot be avoided.
5. Insufficient arc length.
Any experienced welder will confirm that the beginner first needs to learn how to properly light the arc and then hold it. Special literature will help to determine the optimal arc length, in which the welding process and its nuances are described in detail.
Thank you for reading the article! I hope you found it helpful. I will be very glad to your likes 👍 and subscribing to the channel.