Method and apparatus for arc welding by remote control

A method of making a shielded metal arc weld, the method comprising:

• coupling a shielded metal arc welding electrode extending between first and second electrode ends to an electrode holder of a shielded metal arc welding apparatus;
• positioning the electrode such that:
• the electrode extends from the electrode holder toward a workpiece;
• the first electrode end is disposed closer to the workpiece than is the second electrode end;
• and
• the electrode forms an angle with the workpiece of between greater than zero to about 130 degrees;
• applying power to the electrode to initiate welding;
• moving the second electrode end toward the workpiece at least by, as the electrode is consumed, actuating an actuator of the welding apparatus to move the electrode holder toward the workpiece;
• and
• adjusting a rate at which the actuator moves the electrode holder toward the workpiece based at least in part on an arc voltage measured across the electrode and the workpiece.

A shielded metal arc welding apparatus comprising:

• an electrode holder configured to couplably receive and position a shielded metal arc welding electrode that extends between first and second electrode ends such that the first electrode end is disposed closer to a workpiece than is the second electrode end;
• an actuator configured to move the electrode holder toward the workpiece such that;
• when a shielded metal arc electrode is coupled to the electrode holder, the second electrode end moves toward the workpiece;
• and
• the shielded metal arc electrode forms an angle with the workpiece of between greater than zero to about 130 degrees;
• and
• a controller configured to adjust a rate at which the actuator moves the electrode holder toward the workpiece based at least in part on an arc voltage measured across the electrode and the workpiece.