How to Weld for Beginners (Arc/MMA Welding): Machine, Rods and Safety Guide 2026

Oct 13, 2026

Buy More Mall Kenya

Arc (stick or MMA) welding is the most common welding in Kenyan workshops: gates, window grills, roof trusses, tank stands and repairs. It is also the easiest to start with because the machine is simple and the rods work outdoors. Here is how to begin safely.

Quick answer: To start arc welding you need an inverter or arc welding machine, an electrode holder and earth clamp, welding rods, an auto-darkening or shaded helmet, leather gloves and covered clothing. A starter kit costs KSh 6,500 and inverter machine sets from KSh 18,500 on Buy More Mall. Clean the metal, set the current for your rod size, strike the arc like a match, keep a short arc and move steadily along the joint.

Welding Equipment for Beginners

Workshop Welding Starter Kit combo – price in Kenya — Workshop Welding Starter Kit combo
**KSh 6,500**

Inverter Welding Machine Set – price in Kenya — Inverter Welding Machine Set
**KSh 18,500**

Arc Welding Machine Kit – price in Kenya — Arc Welding Machine Kit
**KSh 19,350**

Welding Rods (Hero) – price in Kenya — Welding Rods (Hero)
**KSh 1,000**

Welding Holder 800A – price in Kenya — Welding Holder 800A
**KSh 500**

Welding Clamp – price in Kenya — Welding Clamp
**KSh 700**

Welding Cable – price in Kenya — Welding Cable
**KSh 600**

Safety and Support Gear – price in Kenya — Safety and Support Gear
**KSh 4,200**

Some photos are reference images of the product type, used under open licences. Image credits are on each product page.

Item	Use	Price
Workshop Welding Starter Kit combo	Starter kit for learning	KSh 6,500
Inverter Welding Machine Set	Light, efficient inverter set	KSh 18,500
Arc Welding Machine Kit	Arc welding kit	KSh 19,350
Welding Rods (Hero)	Electrodes (rods)	KSh 1,000
Welding Holder 800A	Holds the rod	KSh 500
Welding Clamp	Earth clamp	KSh 700
Welding Cable	Leads	KSh 600
Safety and Support Gear	Safety and support gear	KSh 4,200

Rod Size and Current: A Starting Chart

Rod diameter	Typical current	Metal thickness
2.5 mm	about 60–90 A	thin sheet, light work, 2–4 mm
3.2 mm	about 90–130 A	general work, 4–8 mm
4.0 mm	about 130–170 A	heavier sections

Starting ranges; follow the rod packet and adjust by test welds on scrap.

How to Weld Step by Step

Prepare: grind off rust, paint and dirt where you will weld and where the earth clamp goes.
Set up: fix the earth clamp to the work, fit a rod in the holder and set the current.
Strike the arc: scratch the rod tip on the metal like striking a match, then lift to a short arc (about the rod diameter).
Run a bead: tilt the rod about 10–20° in the direction of travel and move steadily; listen for a steady crackle like frying bacon.
Finish: chip off the slag with a chipping hammer and wire-brush.
Practise straight beads on scrap before joining pieces.

Common Joints

Butt joint: two pieces edge to edge.
Lap joint: one piece overlapping the other.
T-joint (fillet): one piece standing on another, as in frames.
Corner joint: two edges meeting at a corner.

Fixing Common Beginner Problems

Problem	Usual cause
Rod sticks to the metal	Current too low or arc too short
Lots of spatter, burn-through	Current too high or arc too long
Holes in the weld (porosity)	Dirty metal or damp rods
Weld sits on top, does not fuse	Moving too fast or current too low

Welding Safety

Always use a welding helmet; the arc burns eyes ("arc eye") in seconds.
Leather gloves, long sleeves and closed shoes: no synthetic clothes.
Weld in a ventilated space; avoid fumes.
Keep a fire extinguisher and remove flammables.
Keep cables dry and undamaged; never weld standing in water.

Grinding before and after welding? Read how to use an angle grinder safely.

Worked Example: First Project: a Tank Stand Repair

A beginner fixes a cracked leg brace on a tank stand. He grinds the area clean, clamps the brace, sets 100 A for 3.2 mm rods, tack-welds both ends, then runs short beads, chipping slag between passes, and paints the weld to stop rust.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Welding without a helmet "just for a second".
Skipping metal cleaning.
Holding a long arc.
Using damp rods.

Not sure which one fits? Send us your details on WhatsApp or through the product page and we will help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the easiest welding for beginners?

Arc (stick/MMA) welding with a small inverter is simple and works outdoors; MIG is also beginner friendly but needs gas.

What amps should I use for a 3.2 mm welding rod?

Roughly 90–130 A; test on scrap and follow the packet.

Why does my welding rod keep sticking?

Current too low or the arc too short.

How much is a welding machine in Kenya?

Inverter welding machine sets on Buy More Mall start from KSh 18,500; see the welding machine price guide.

Can I learn welding at home?

Yes, in a safe, ventilated space with proper protective gear and a suitable power supply.

Prices shown are regular prices on Buy More Mall. Many products are currently on offer, so open the product page to see today's price.

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