Stick Welding
Also known as SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding)

Unlike Mig and Tig welding Stick welding does not use a bottled gas supply so is inherently more portable. The equipment is simple and inexpensive. For this reason stick welding is often used on sites where it would be difficult to bring Mig and Tig equipment to the job.

In stick welding the electrode, which is consumed during the welding operation, is sheathed in a solid flux. As the flux melts it produces the shielding gas and slag which protects the molten weld pool. Because the gas is produced at the weld the technique is less susceptible to drafts. The flux can also be used to introduce scavengers, deoxidizers and alloying elements to the weld. The slag generated during the welding process has to be removed after the operation.

Stick Advantages

• Low cost equipment
• Highly portable
• Not susceptible to drafts
• Can be used on all metals

Stick Disadvantages

• More difficult than Mig and Tig to produce a clean weld
• Welds are usually less even requiring more finishing work if they need to be finished.
• Slag needs to be removed after the weld has been completed.
• Method susceptible to weld splatter