Do
- Use the RWMA recommended electrode material for the job you are running.
- Use RWMA standard electrodes whenever possible.
- Use the appropriate electrode diameter for the material being welded.
- Use open sight drains or have water flow gauges on out bound side to easily confirm water flow.
- Connect the water inlet hose to the proper holder inlet to insure water flows through the center cooling tube first.
- Recommended water flow for the electrodes is 1.5 gallons per minute of cold water.
- Insure that the water tube extends within 0.25" of the bottom of the electrode water hole.
- Adjust the water tube position when changing to another length electrode.
- Check water tube ends to insure they are not damaged and have an angled cut at the end to prevent water restriction.
- Use ejector type holders to simplify electrode removal.
- Keep the electrode and holder tapers clean to ensure good leak free conduction.
- Dress electrodes frequently enough to insure good quality product.
- Use raw-hide or hard rubber hammers for alignment of electrodes.
- Provide cooling water on the exit side top and bottom of seam welding applications.
- Use properly designed knurling wheels to insure continuous dressing of the seam welding wheel.
- Lock out the machine when performing any type of maintenance.
Don't
- Never use unidentified electrodes or materials.
- Avoid special, offset, or irregular electrodes when the job can be done with standard electrodes.
- Do not use small electrodes on heavy gauge welding jobs or large electrodes on small gauge materials.
- Do not forget to turn the water on full force before starting to weld.
- Never use water hoses that do not fit the water fitting properly.
- Do not allow water connections to become leaky, clogged or broken.
- Avoid holders with leaking or deformed tapers.
- Never use holders that do not have adjustable water deflector tubes.
- Never use pipe tape or similar product to stop a leak.
- Do not let your electrode mushroom excessively.
- Do not dress electrodes with a file.
- Do not use a steel hammer to adjust any part of a welding machine.
- Do not permit seam welding wheels to run off the edge of the work piece.
- Do not enter a work cell or reach into a welder without using your lockout.
