AG Mechanics CDE Practice Exam

What will be the result if the amperage is set too low when stick welding?

1. It will cause too much flux

2. It will melt the electrode

3. It will produce too much smoke

4. It will result in a narrow, stringy bead

The correct answer is: It will cause too much flux

If the amperage is set too low when stick welding, it will cause too much flux. Flux is a crucial component in the electrode that shields the weld pool from contaminants and prevents oxidation during the welding process. When the amperage is set too low, the electrode does not heat up enough to properly melt the flux, leading to an excess of flux that can create issues such as slag inclusions or a crusty, uneven weld bead. Option B is incorrect because if the amperage is set too low, the electrode will not melt properly and will not contribute to the weld pool. Option C is incorrect because the amount of smoke produced during stick welding is usually related to the flux and metal fumes, not directly affected by the amperage setting being too low. Option D is incorrect because a narrow, stringy bead is typically the result of the travel speed being too fast or the amperage being too high, not too low.