ARC STARTING PRACTICE

TIPS
1. Hold the Arc in one place until the molten
weld build the desire size and maintain the
Arc across the gap between the base metal
and the electrode and strike the Arc
scratching or tapping melt until it can produce
an Arc.

2. Slowly lower the electrode continuously as it

burns off to maintain constant arc length and
move it forward to start the bead.
3. Break away the flux from the end of the electrode
because restarting the arc will be very difficult that is
why you should learn how to strike and establish the
arc easily and quickly.

4. Restart the arc as you did before and make another

short weld and repeat this process until you can easily
start the bed each time.

5. You will start the arc at the specific spot in order to

prevent damage to the surrounding plate because
striking an arc in an incorrect spot may cause damage
to the base metal.
6. Do not put the electrode holder on the ground
or on the job being welded or on anything that
electrically connected to the earth.

7. A lot of practice is required to develop the

speed and skills needed to prevent the
electrode from striking to the base metal.
 METHODS
FOR
STRIKING AN
ARC
1. SCRATCH START TECHNIQUE
2. TAPPING TECHNIQUE