Holding rod while welding??

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Howdy ya'll....just wanted to ask if its ok to hold the welding rod while welding to help guide the rod. I do that sometimes and I wanted to make sure that I aint startin a bad habit....and yes I know not to hold the glowing end...lol.Thanks fer any input guys,Rod
Reply:i do that when i am starting, about 4-2 inches from the stinger just to help keep the rod under control better. until it starts getting hotStangnetShop Full Of Stuff. Joey
Reply:i would certainly never teach anyone to do thatare u talking about an arc rod???only flux between u and potential electrocution ???using a glove ???ever see the whole rod glow red?ever been to a rod factory?think there are any rejects ever?u could use something non conductive to rest the rod on besides yor hand ...
Reply:Originally Posted by NavyGuyHowdy ya'll....just wanted to ask if its ok to hold the welding rod while welding to help guide the rod. I do that sometimes and I wanted to make sure that I aint startin a bad habit....and yes I know not to hold the glowing end...lol.Thanks fer any input guys,Rod
Reply:Thanks Sandy fer clearin that up fer me. You are right about using it as a slide....thats what I meant to say instead of "holding the rod". If anyone is confused about sliding the rod take a gander at the photo below and it will be perfectly clear. I find that it helps SOMETIMES to hold the rod this way, depends upon the type of weld I'm doin...just my opinion.To thatthing'sHOT here are the answers to yer questionsQ: i would certainly never teach anyone to do that  A:I dont teach--I workQ: are u talking about an arc rod???  A: Yes...AC and DCQ: only flux between u and potential electrocution ???  A: Flux is a great electrical insulator--ever strike an arc with the flux side against the workpiece--it aint happeninQ: using a glove ???  A: of course...I may look dumb but I aint stupid Q: ever see the whole rod glow red?  A: Yup...guess I just have to move my hand when I get that warm fuzzy feelinQ: ever been to a rod factory?  A: Nope...aint had the timeQ: think there are any rejects ever?  A: Yup...but if the flux is cracked I aint usin that rod anywayQ: u could use something non conductive to rest the rod on besides yor hand A: I like livin on the edgeWell I guess that means I'll just keep on slidin the rod the way I always have...nice to know I aint the only one that does it.Ya'll keep welding and keep yer beads straight,Rod Attached Images
Reply:If you ever look at an experienced welders gloves you will see burn marks on his left glove ( forefinger and thumb)  It's just like guiding a pool cue.
Reply:If you ever look at an experienced welders gloves you will see burn marks on his left glove ( forefinger and thumb)  It's just like guiding a pool cue.  If you look at the picture you can see in that case the person for some reason wants a little more pressure on his rod.  He is holding a relatively low angle to the pipe pushing his puddle back.   I wouldn't doubt that he is riding the flux coating of the rod on the parent metal.