new to stick welding questions???

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I am pretty new to stick welding.I'd like to get some questions answered.I seem to want to watch the arc instead of the puddle. can somebody post a picture of exactly the area that I am working for to watch.thanks guys!!!
Reply:Wanting to watch the arc vs the puddle is fairly common for new guys. You need to train yourself to ignore the bright light and watch the puddle itself.I look at different things depending on what rods I'm running and the position I'm running them in. Sometimes I'm looking just behind the arc because that's the only area of the puddle that is clearly visible. Other times I'm paying attention farther back where you can see a clear dark line where the slag is cooling. I know other people who are looking at something else entirely....No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:True. I find that experimenting with darker lens shades can help you see less of the glare, and a bit more of the puddle. It cuts both ways though, too dark, and you can't see where you are going! Have a look at google images and search for 'weld puddle'.City of L.A. Structural; Manual & Semi-Automatic;"Surely there is a mine for silver, and a place where gold is refined. Iron is taken from the earth, and copper is smelted from ore."Job 28:1,2Lincoln, Miller, Victor & ISV BibleDanny
Reply:If you are new to arc welding take some time and watch some of those old welding movies from the 1940s.old Miller spectrum 625 Lincoln SP-135 T, CO2+0.025 wireMiller model 250 and WP-18V torchCraftsman 100amp AC/DC and WP-17V torchCentury 115-004 HF arc stabilizerHome made 4 transformer spot welderHome made alternator welder
Reply:go to youtube and look up weldingtips and tricks. he makes great welding videos and his arc shots are awesome. start watching those and you will pick up pretty quick what to look for. He doesnt have tons of stick videos, most are tig. But there are some.- Christian M.C3 Welding & Fabrication - CNC Plasma Cutting-Mobile Welding-Custom welding and fabwww.c3welding.com
Reply:Since your new and will be welding in the flat position first, you wan to watch the tear drop shaped red puddle that's right behind your arc as your moving along. You need to learn to manipulate your rod to keep the puddle as you want it to be and as t should be.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Keeping a short of an arc length as possible helps cut down on the "glare" of the arc washing out the view of the puddle for me. You'll want to make sure your welding helmet lens is clean, in good shape, and at a proper shade level for your task. Autodarkening helmet with adjustable shades makes this easier, otherwise you may be swapping filter plates for a passive helmet. Everybody's eyes are different, and some people like it a bit darker, others a bit lighter. You may want to post your location. I know that if I am in your area I will be happy to help you out and show you some stuff and you may be able to link up with somebody for some mentoring.Last edited by JD955SC; 11-22-2013 at 11:22 PM.Hobart Stickmate LX235AC/160DCRanger 305GVictor 315 O/A rigHope to acquire in the next couple of years: Hypertherm PM45 and Dynasty 200DX
Reply:I always watch where I'm going, don't want to run into a tree! Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by rahtreelimbsI seem to want to watch the arc instead of the puddle. can somebody post a picture of exactly the area that I am working for to watch.
Reply:I find that different types of electrodes and even brands of electrodes have very different characteristics that can make seeing the puddle either very easy or very difficult.  For example, with Lincoln 7018AC you basically don't get to see the puddle and have to run on instinct.  With Lincoln Jet-Weld 7018 the puddle is clearly defined from the slag.  What type of electrodes are you using?Last edited by Advan; 11-23-2013 at 02:02 PM.
Reply:Originally Posted by AdvanI find that different types of electrodes and even brands of electrodes have very different characteristics that can make seeing the puddle either very easy or very difficult.  For example, with Lincoln 7018AC you basically don't get to see the puddle and have to run on instinct.  With Lincoln Jet-Weld 7018 the puddle is clearly defined from the slag.  What type of electrodes are you using?
Reply:Sorry, I had to!"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Originally Posted by AdvanI find that different types of electrodes and even brands of electrodes have very different characteristics that can make seeing the puddle either very easy or very difficult.  For example, with Lincoln 7018AC you basically don't get to see the puddle and have to run on instinct.  With Lincoln Jet-Weld 7018 the puddle is clearly defined from the slag.  What type of electrodes are you using?
Reply:I agree with what was said above. It really depends on what electrodes you are running and how well they are running. It takes some getting used to on whether or not you need more or less amperage which might help you see the puddle and give you a better weld.Also it helps to have darker shades on hand. With stick I have been using 10 or 11 depending on what rod I'm using. But as said before it is different for everyone.I would suggest just buying a 25lbs box of electrodes, and just running as many as needed till you start to see what you are doing. Then keep running different rods so you get a feel on how each one runs. I have ran a lot of Lincoln and Hobart in school and have not had a problem with either.Handler 140