Practice welding on 1/4 inch steel plate

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I'm using 1/16 6013 rods to practice stick welding on 1/4 plate. This is my second time practicing, I'm starting to settle down and start my arc on the first try. My accuracy still isn't too great but I'm having fun trying! I'm still not sure what amperage I should be runing at for this type of job? I think I'm staying in one spot too long, I get mounds of metal in one spot! If I try to move away I lose my arc. Any tips? Any ideas for an EASY starter project?
Reply:1/16th is pretty small rod for 1/4 inch. Tough to get beneficial practice with mismatches like that. If you didn't buy a lot of it go get a little 1/8 (twice the size) and crank it up to whatever it says on the packaging. Should be about 110 or so??? I sold my stick about three years ago. Someone here will have a better idea of the current range for 1/8th 6013 on quarter.
Reply:Thanks for the help
Reply:For developing a steady hand,the best practice exercise I ever read about was in an old Lincoln book. Take a 1/2" washer, with a sharp #2 pencil, move the washer across a piece of clean paper. If you "loose" the washer your too far away, if you "mark" the paper, your too close. Yes, welding is more involved than that, but it is cheap, simple practice, that can be done anyplace. Without the shield and sparks, etc., most people relax, and get one technique down, then move on.Last edited by tessdad; 02-03-2005 at 07:57 PM.Just my  opinion, not from a book, just from the road.Howes Welding Inc.www.howesweldinginc.com
Reply:The amp range for a 1/8 6013 rod is 80-130 amps. For practicing, I would set your amps on the high end so it will be easier to strick an arc, then adjust accordingly. I agree with Sandy, 1/16 rod is too small for 1/4 thick steel. Good LuckBruce