<p>Disclosed is an arc welding apparatus incorporating a low inductance reactor having an inductance value of 100 µH or less to improve arc starting performance by increasing the rate at which the current rises during the arc start, wherein a control unit controls the welding current with use of a first rising time and a second rising time so that the second rising time is longer than the first rising time, where: the first rising time is the time required for the welding current to reach the absolute value of the peak current after arc start; and the second rising time is the time required for the welding current to reach the absolute value of the peak current after the welding current has crossed zero and hence reversed its polarity in the steady welding period after arc start.</p>
