Course planning page

Stick Welding Fundamentals

Introductory SMAW training support for safe setup, electrode identification, arc starts, beads, and basic weld practice.

Skills Covered

  • Identify Stick welding power sources and leads
  • Select common electrode classifications as a starting point
  • Set up work clamp and electrode holder safely
  • Practice arc starts and travel speed
  • Recognize common beginner weld defects

Safety Topics

  • Helmet shade selection
  • Electrode handling and hot stubs
  • Electrical shock prevention
  • Slag/chipping protection
  • Fire watch and hot work cleanup
  • Ventilation and fume awareness

Module List

1. SMAW Equipment Setup

Power source, leads, work clamp, electrode holder, polarity basics, and safe shutdown.

Coming Soon

2. Electrode Identification

Common electrode classes, storage basics, and why procedure requirements matter.

Coming Soon

3. Arc Starts and Straight Beads

Scratch/tap starts, arc length, travel angle, travel speed, and bead consistency.

Coming Soon

4. Fillet Weld Practice

T-joints, lap joints, slag removal, and visual inspection habits.

Coming Soon

5. Basic Troubleshooting

Sticking electrode, porosity, undercut, slag inclusions, and restart cleanup.

Coming Soon

Lab Exercises

  • SMAW machine setup checklist
  • Electrode classification matching worksheet
  • Flat-position bead pad
  • Lap joint fillet weld practice
  • Visual defect identification exercise

Student Workbook, Instructor Guide, and Quiz Bank

Stick Welding Student Workbook

Printable SMAW workbook planned. No official AWS, OSHA, or state approval claimed.

Coming Soon

Stick Welding Instructor Guide

Instructor-facing lesson plans, lab rubrics, and setup lists planned.

Coming Soon

Stick Welding Quiz and Test Bank

Question bank planned for instructor review before classroom use.

Coming Soon

Related WSP Articles and Tools

Find My Filler Metal

Related WSP reference for this course.

Open reference

Lens Shade Support

Related WSP reference for this course.

Open reference

Related Consumables and Parts

Stick Equipment Support

Parts and consumable lookup path for classroom support.

Open lookup

Miller Arc Equipment

Parts and consumable lookup path for classroom support.

Open lookup

PPE Support

Parts and consumable lookup path for classroom support.

Open lookup

Buy Options

ResourceTypeStatusNext Step
Stick Welding Student WorkbookStudent workbookComing SoonRequest quote
Stick Welding Instructor GuideInstructor guideComing SoonRequest quote
Stick Welding Quiz and Test BankQuiz/test bankComing SoonRequest quote