To reduce arc blow in SMAW, place the work clamp as ______ the joint to be welded as possible.

• A. Close to
• B. Far from
• C. On the weld
• D. Behind the joint

Answer: (B)

Arc blow happens when the magnetic field created by the welding current deflects the arc. The fix is to make the return path for that current as close to the weld as possible, so the magnetic loop around the arc is minimized. Placing the work clamp near the joint reduces the distance the current has to travel back and keeps the return path right next to the weld, which stabilizes the arc and lessens wandering. If the clamp is far away, the return path is longer and the surrounding magnetic field can push the arc off course more easily. Ground directly on a clean, solid spot near the joint so the connection is strong and the current path is short.