A 2-day Sheet Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) course—commonly known as "Stick" welding—is an intensive "hands-on" program. While 2 days isn't enough to become a certified structural welder, it is the perfect window to master the mechanics of arc stability, striking, and basic joint construction.
Day 1: The Circuit and the Arc
Day one is about mastering the machine and the "strike." SMAW is unique because the electrode is constantly getting shorter as you weld, requiring your hand to move in two directions at once.
Machine Setup: Understanding DC+ (DCEP) vs. DC- (DCEN).
DCEP (Reverse Polarity): Deeper penetration.
DCEN (Straight Polarity): Faster melt rate, ideal for thinner sheets.
Electrode Anatomy: Decoding the 4-digit code (e.g., E6013 or E7018).
E: Electrode.
60: 60,000 psi tensile strength.
1: Can be used in all positions.
3/8: Type of coating and current.
Striking the Arc: Learning the "Matchstrike" vs. "Tapping" method to initiate the arc without sticking the rod to the workpiece.
The "CLAMS" Rule:
Current (Amperage).
Length of Arc (should be roughly the diameter of the rod).
Angle of Electrode (Travel vs. Work angle).
Manipulation (Stringer vs. Weave beads).
Speed of Travel.
Day 2: Joint Geometry and Defect Correction
Day two moves from "running beads" on a flat plate to joining actual parts together in various orientations.
The Five Basic Joints: Practicing the Butt, Lap, Tee, Corner, and Edge joints.
Weld Positions:
Slag Management: SMAW creates a "slag" coating that protects the weld. You will learn the "Drag" technique—if there is slag, you must drag the rod to keep the slag from getting trapped inside the weld (Slag Inclusion).
Restrike and Tie-ins: How to clean a half-finished weld and restart the arc to create a seamless "tie-in" between two electrodes.
Visual Inspection: Identifying Undercut (too much heat), Porosity (contaminated metal), and Overlap (travel speed too slow).
