The Shielded Metal Arc Welding process (SMAW), commonly referred to as stick welding, derives the heat for welding from an electric arc established between a consumable stick electrode and the part to be welded. The stick electrode is clamped in an electrode holder which is connected to the stick welder by a power cable. The current produced by the stick welder for welding can AC or DC, depending on the model.

The typical stick electrode consists of a metal rod (3/32 to 1/4”diameter) that is coated with flux. The flux has a number of important functions during the stick welding process – it generates shielding gas to protect the molten metal from atmospheric contamination, it provides “scavengers” and “deoxidizers” to refine the weld metal, it increases deposition rates and it produces a slag blanket over the weld.

The stick welding process has low start-up costs (stick welders are relatively inexpensive), is portability, can be used outdoors without special arrangements, has all-position welding capability, and is usable on a wide variety of materials.

Lincoln Electric – The Leader in Stick Welders

The Lincoln Electric® name is synonymous with high-quality welding and our stick welders are no exception. From traditional transformer-based designs, like the world renowned AC-225, to leading edge inverter-based designs, Lincoln’s stick welders produce an extremely smooth welding arc and deliver day-in day-out dependable performance. And our three-year parts and labor warrantee is a guarantee that you’ll get everything you’d expect from the welding experts.

Stick Welders at a Glance

	Output		Process Capability
Product Name	Polarity	Current	Stick	TIG Scratch	TIG Touch-Start	TIG Hi-Freq	Spec Sheet (pdf)
AC-225C	AC	5-185 A	E				E2.40
AC-225	AC	2-340 A	E				E2.30
AC/DC 225/125	AC	40-225 A	E				E2.60
	DC	30-125A	E	G
Idealarc® 250	AC	35-300 A	E			O	E2.70
	DC	40-250 A	E	G		O
Invertec® V155-S	DC	5-155 A	E		E		E2.141
Invertec® V275-S	DC	5-275 A	E	G	E		E2.161
Invertec® V275-S Racks	DC	5-275 A	E	G	E		E5.92
Idealarc® R3R-400	DC	60-500 A	E	G		O	E2.100
Idealarc® R3R-500	DC	75-625 A	E	G		O	E2.100

Key: E = Excellent, G = Good/Fair, O = Optional

The Function of Stick Welders

Stick welders and the stick welding process represent the most widely used and recognizable form of arc-welding. The stick welding process is characterized by application versatility and flexibility and relative simplicity in the stick welder and its associated items. Stick welders and the stick welding process are used by the small welding shop, by the homeowner, by the farmer for repair of equipment – as well as industrial fabrication applications, structural steel erection and other commercial metals joining.