Weld Arc Current Stability Tool
An educational guide to understanding how the welding power source and its settings affect the stability of the welding current.
The Power Behind the Arc
The stability of the welding arc is directly tied to the quality and characteristics of the welding power source. A stable arc requires a constant, smooth flow of current. Fluctuations in current can cause the arc to sputter, wander, or extinguish, leading to weld defects.
What is "Arc Control" or "Dig"?
Arc Control, often called "Dig" on many machines, is a feature that adjusts the machine's response to a short circuit, which happens frequently in SMAW (Stick) welding as the welder manipulates the electrode. When the arc length gets very short, the voltage drops. A high "Dig" setting tells the machine to temporarily increase the current to prevent the electrode from sticking and keep the arc from going out. It creates a more forceful, driving arc ideal for root passes with electrodes like E6010.