STICK (MAW)

Stick welding has it's roots in what is often called carbon arc welding, around 1880 a frenchman and a russian came up with this method of joining metal pieces. The electrode was unproteced and the results were lacking due to corrosion during the welding. Between 1900 and 1915 several companies started coating the electrodes to protect the electrodes themselves and later (1920) the work piece. The use of stick welding exploded during the first and second world wars and has since been the most popular form of welding. Stick welding has the advantage of being usable in almost any environment.* With the advent of inverters the welding machines have become small enough to carry on your back and are favorites in the building industry.

Stick welding also has negative sides, it is impractical to use it for material under 2mm(.081", 12gauge) and each type of metal requires a special stick, there are even special sticks for different welding positions. It is slower than MIG, leaves slag and the electrodes are sensitive to dampness. For these reasons Stick welding is most suitable for thicker sections where circumstances might not facilitate MIG welding. Stick welding although mostly used for carbon steels can also be used with good results on stainless steel and cast iron. As with any stick welding this requires special rods. Even aluminum can be welded with this method, but with poor results.

Our TIG machine, Idealarc 300/300 has a "Stick Mode" by which the TIG controls and gas are switched off, we equipped the terminals with DIN style connectors enabling us to hook up the stickholder with minimal effort.

*Stick welding can be perfomed on the top of skyscrapers in high wind and there are even forms of stick welding which are used underwater.