Shielded Metal Arc Welding is one of the most widely used welding processes due to its versatility, portability, and low-cost equipment. By using this process, you will not have to purchase any type of shielding gas. Shielded metal arc welding can be used in any welding position as long as the rod can reach the area to be welded. If there is a difficult or difficult to reach spot, you can bend the rod so that you can reach the spot better. “The process leads to welding in confined spaces and in various positions with few problems” (Austin). For example, if I wanted to weld a pipe near a wall, I could bend my rod to reach the point between the wall and the wall.