Arc welding, also known as ‘stick welding,’ or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is similar to MIG welding, in that it uses the filler material, (in this case a rod or ‘stick’) to operate as an electrode in creating the welding arc. Rather than using inert gas to shield the welding puddle from oxygen, the rod contains a special material called ‘flux’ which provides this function. Arc welding is good for very heavy duty applications and outdoor applications where gas shielding is an issue due to wind interference.