6. It should take only a few seconds after the heating process begins for the welding rod to stick firmly to
the base material. Now angle the rod slightly in the direction of the weld. Continue to supply heat in a
fanning motion, so that the end of the welding-gun tip is aimed in line with the direction of the weld.
7. Bring rod back to a slight slant after about ¼ to ½ inch of the rod is joined to the base material. Do not
Do not lean the rod toward either side of the weld bed.
8. Exert only as much pressure on the rod as is necessary to cause the two surfaces to fuse together. If
too much pressure is exerted on the rod, it will stretch excessively. Subsequent welding against the
stretched section will cause it to crack, because of the internal stresses created by the stretching.
9. Check for the appearance of flow lines along the sides of the rod, as well as the appearance of a small
wave of semi-molten material in front of the bottom surface of the rod, as it flows into the softened base
material. Too much heat on the rod will soften it so that pressure cannot be maintained to push it into the