SMAW – Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick)

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The Intermediate Welding course is designed for students who are ready to build on their basic welding skills and develop proficiency in Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), commonly known as Stick welding.

This course focuses heavily on hands-on welding, proper technique, structural steel applications, and preparation for welder qualification testing. Students will learn the skills commonly used in construction, structural steel, industrial maintenance, heavy equipment, and field welding.

Students will receive instruction in proper machine setup, electrode selection, welding parameters, joint preparation, and techniques for producing quality welds in multiple positions.

Course instruction will include:

• SMAW (Stick) welding equipment and operation

• Welding safety and proper PPE

• Machine setup, amperage, polarity, and welding variables

• Electrode identification, selection, and storage

• E6010/E6011 and E7018 electrode applications

• Arc starting and control

• Travel speed, work angle, and electrode manipulation

• Fillet and groove welds

• Plate and structural steel welding

• Welding in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions

• Single- and multi-pass welds

• Joint preparation, fit-up, and backing

• Open-root welding fundamentals

• Weld defects, causes, and corrective techniques

• Visual inspection and weld quality

• Introduction to welding symbols and drawings

• Welding Procedure Specifications (WPS)

• Welder qualification requirements

• Preparation for applicable code-based welder qualification testing

A major emphasis of the course is repetition and hands-on shop time. Students will work to develop the consistency, electrode control, puddle recognition, and technique necessary to produce quality SMAW welds in all positions.

As skills progress, students will be introduced to more challenging structural welding exercises designed to prepare them for the expectations of construction and industrial welding environments.

This course is an excellent next step for students who have completed Introduction to Welding or already have basic welding experience and want to advance their skills before moving into Advanced TIG or Pipe Welding.

Build Your Skills. Master Stick Welding. Prepare for the Field.