SMAW Welding Equipment
One of the most important tips I can give you is ALWAYS have the machine unpligged and switched off when performing maintenance. You can do more harm than good trying to maintain a machine whilst it is switched on as well as the obvious safety issues.
The first step to maintaining your SMAW welding equipment is to closely monitor the electrode holder and the ground clamp. These are the only parts on the external part of the machine. Unfortunately not a lot of maintenance can be completed on these parts to make them last longer instead you should monitor them for wear and tear and replace them in due time.
Inside the machine is a different ball game and the best way to care for these parts is to periodically hire a qualified professional to clear dust and grime from the cooling fan, wiring, transformers and PC Boards.
Rust likes to build up on the steel electrodes when left exposed to the elements. The best way to avoid this ever happening is to store your rods in a very dry place like a sealed container. This will drastically improve the service life of your welding machine.
The last tip I can give you is always store your machine upwards as this stops the rods bumping and grinding into each other which can cause dents and damage which will damage the machines ability to perform its job.
