Stick Class

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I just laid my first welds down last night in class....no pictures cuz I ain't showing them   I'm really looking forward to getting better and making some stuff. Any hints on starting an arc without having the electrode stick to the plate? I had some "issues" with that last night.Dale
Reply:If you arent too concerned with a couple of burn marks on the metal, start the arc away from the joint by dragging the electrode quickly across the metal at a very low angle.  Working at the higher end of the amp range for your workpiece and electrodes also helps in starting, but, you could burn through thin stuff.  When you get it started, work on getting your distance to workpiece right.  This is where most folks get frustrated with stick, because you are always adjusting as the electrode gets deposited.  I always teach my friends to weld toward themselves first...it helps to slow them down and reduces the movements they have to make...Smithboy...if it ain't broke, you ain't tryin'.
Reply:Try both methods of arc-starting and see which you prefer.  I usually tap the electrode, but sometimes it's better to strike it like a match.
Reply:When I took my first class over thirty years ago I was taught the basics, but didn't learn enough to feel confident in striking an arc or running the bead.Two years later, I took a "refresher" class, and the instructor had a professional welder show up for a couple of nights to help out.  The pro circulated around the class to observe how we all were doing, and when he saw us having problems he would stand behind us, and reach around to hold our welding hand, guiding the stick, while he looked over our shoulders.  Made all the difference.   When you return to class have the instructor try doing this trick to help you learn correct striking and stick speed.  You will learn, immediately, from the professional's skill, inputing to your muscles and brain.  It's called proprioception, and it works great.Welding is a nifty skill to have and can provide a lifetime of rewards.  Good luck and have fun.Last edited by Weldordie; 08-23-2006 at 12:00 AM.
Reply:Having taught people to weld for thirty years, here is a technique that is pretty sucessful for the new blokes. Most Manual arc electrodes  often stick because the flux on the end is cracked or completly broken away from the striking end. this is caused by the welder banging the end on the work (in frustration ) in an effort to get a an arc strike. Place a piece of scrap steel  under your earth return clamp and strike the electrode on it, until it arcs then draw a long arc  say 3/8'' while not moving. While the end is still red hot,snap across to the job and your electrode should re ignite the arc.Also check you bench top for the tiny spatter balls which are shed by the operating arc. When the spatters are cold and solid ,they lift your workpiece of the bench surface just a fraction  and prevent the full electrical contact from the bench earth.Chipped flux laying on the benchtop will do the same.Brush your bench surface regularly for this reason. Add to this stray arc strikes all over the bench with little lumps of weld bead.My benches have a little square of 1/4" plate raised up 2" on a 1/2" rod and tacked (for easy replacement).The other contibutor who mentioned striking the electrode like a match was correct.Not that the other way is not good.But remember banging the electrode tends to damage the flux cover.It will also depend on the condition of the flux cover,ie how fresh they are from the packet.Until recently I had a terrible habit of not storing my electrodes correctly and the humidity where I live affected them.Having to spend my dollars fresh electrodes ,taught me the thirty year pro ( insert a Homer Simpson like duh! here ) that I even can learn a good leson now and again.I keep my opened rods in some plastic PVC water pipe with caps on either end to keep the moisture out.I hope this helps you and answers your question that you have asked.regards to all on this listGrahame from OzLast edited by Grahame; 08-27-2006 at 07:55 AM.
Reply:Grahame, thank you for the great pointers. monday when i get off work im going to be tacking a rod strike plate onto my bench! it sounds like exactly what i should have thought of already! = }great info on foreign matter decreasing the contact on your workpiece, and arc striking.thank you
Reply:theres a reason why its called "stuck" welding....  ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.