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Stick Welding: What is it?

Stick welding is commonly used for structural steel, pipeline construction and the metal industry. It offers several advantages to Its welders. Let's have a look at its versatility, which allows it to be used on a range of metals, including steel, stainless steel, and cast iron materials. It can be incorporated in all welding positions, whether it be a flat, horizontal, vertical, or overhead position – making it adaptable to diverse project requirements. This type of welding procedure is relatively forgiving when it comes to dirty or rusty metals, which can be a common problem when performing repairs.

A Valuable Asset to Welding Companies

Stick welding remains a fundamental and widely used welding process. Its versatility, portability, and cost-effectiveness makes it a valuable tool to welding shops and mobile welding trucks. While it requires a high level of skill to master, the ability to weld in various environmental conditions and on a wide range of metals makes it a valuable asset for welding companies.

Advantages Of Stick Welding

• Can Be Used With Multiple Materials: such as, structural steel, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum.
• Multiple Positions: Can be performed in various positions, from flat, horizontal, vertical, to overhead.
• Portability For Mobile Welding Trucks: The stick welding equipment is relatively simple and portable, making it a great asset for mobile welding services.
• Welding Equipment Is Cost Effective: Stick welding equipment is generally less expensive than other welding procedures.  
• Suitable For Dirty & Rusty Metals: Even though you should always clean your metal surfaces first. stick welding is more forgiving of dirty or rusty surfaces more than other welding methods.

Disadvantages Of Stick Welders Using This Type Of Weld

• A High Level Of Skill: This type of weld requires a higher level of skill and experience
• Unsuitable For Reactive Metals: Doesn't work well with titanium, zirconium, tantalum, or columbium.
• Dealing With Slag Removal The slag that forms on the weld must be chipped after the weld is completed.
• Slower then MIG Or TIG welding: It's generally a slower method then TIG or MIG welding.
• Generates More Smoke & Fumes Produces more smoke and fumes compared to other welding procedures.

Stick Welding: The History

Stick welding dates back to the 1800s, where a British chemist and inventor Sir Humphry Davy developed an arc between two carbon electrodes using a battery. Gas welding and cutting was shortly  introduced, and as we moved into the 1900s, there was a major breakthrough when Oscar Kjellberg of Sweden introduced the coated electrode, which resembled a stick. The early made stick electrodes were made by dipping iron wires into thick mixtures of carbonates and silicates.