Vertical up SMAW weld -- technique for stability?

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I've been welding on my own for years now, but recently I decided to enroll in a community college class and improve my skills.  I'm practicing a 6-pass (stringer bead), vertical up, t-joint with 3/32" 7018 on coupons of plate.  When making this same weld in the horizontal position, I have no troubles at all.  However, I'm having some difficulty with unwanted motion of the rod causing slight inconsistencies in bead placement in the vertical position.  I hold the stinger in my right hand, and brace my right hand with my left.  Sometimes, especially with a new rod, I'll stabilize the rod itself with my left index finger, a couple inches out from the plate.  This does seem to help some, but it can be awkward at times.  I usually stand with one foot slightly in front of the other, and both apart at about shoulder width.  Any suggestions for better stability are appreciated.... techniques or tips, etc.Ben
Reply:Cut your caffeine consumption in half. Coffee energy drinks, etc. Your consistency will improve tremendously.Be wary of The Numbers: Figures don't lie,. but liars can figure.Welders:2008 Lincoln 140 GMAW&FCAW2012 HF 165 'toy' GTAW&SMAW1970's Cobbled together O/A
Reply:I like to prop on something.  Watch how Jody props in this video:Not exactly what you're doing, but uses the same skills.  Notice how he props his left hand on the stand or work and then props left thumb to right pinky.  It allows him to rotate the hands and maintain a steady rod even though the rod gets shorter and shorter as he welds.  Try watching other videos of his for more tips on propping.Lincoln AC 225Miller Auto Arc 130 (Mig)Thermal Arc 186 AC/DC Inverter (Tig/Stick) - the "no excuses" machine
Reply:For vertical up I've found that shoulder height seems to help with stability because I'm not extending my arms very much at the start or end of the weld. I'd say try moving the piece up and down until you find a height that works best for you.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:Another vote from me on comfortable position. Try having your stinger cable draped up over your shoulder. And get proficient in the sitting position. Can move to standing once you feel better about things. Post some pictures, hope things smooth out for ya!
Reply:Originally Posted by WorldPowerLabsI hold the stinger in my right hand, and brace my right hand with my left.  Sometimes, especially with a new rod, I'll stabilize the rod itself with my left index finger, a couple inches out from the plate.  This does seem to help some, but it can be awkward at times.  I usually stand with one foot slightly in front of the other, and both apart at about shoulder width.  Any suggestions for better stability are appreciated.... techniques or tips, etc.Ben
Reply:+ 1 on CEP's electrode cable wrap around stinger forearm technique.  For a variation on a theme, try my buddy Charlie LaRiche's (Lincoln Electric) technique.Also disagree with the above comment to learn body positioning by sitting when stick welding.  Trains bad habits, IMPO."Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:ManoKai, not saying learn to sit. But learn arm positioning, rod burn rate, rod angle, travel speed, etc.... I wouldn't suggest learning to weld only in the sitting position. But sitting can help eliminate some variables that standing throws in there. Definately learn to weld standing. Much of what i do is standing or contorted in some backwards spot.
Reply:How are the welding booths set up in your school? Are your work pieces hanging on adjustable pipe stands for welding? Are there adjustable tables that raise and lower under your work piece? Can you raise up the table or lower your weld piece so that you can rest your elbows comfortably on the table while making the weld from start to finish?JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Try clamping a vice grip some where to rest your hand on. Also, if you can lean against some thing with your off shoulder, it can help hold the body steady.
Reply:I know a couple welders that (using a bernard style electrode holder) will hold the stinger backwards, and bend the rod around the side of it - kind of like a u-shape.  They swear by it however YMMVCould try that or use the pinky-thumb collapsing technique - keeps from having to move the hand stabilizing the rod once things get toasty....I know its my go to for vertical....
Reply:@ MISSING LINK -  check.  We're tracking bro.  "Discovery is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought" - Albert Szent-Gyorgyi
Reply:Some welder testing facilities frown upon wrapping the stinger wire lead on your arm or holding the wire on your other hand while welding. Though it is great for taking the weight off the cable from the stinger, they say that it is unsafe practice to do... What I do is to drape the cable on the arm of the test stand that is holding the work piece to a comfortable length for me. Ask your instructor first if it is okay with him.
Reply:Originally Posted by silvertinathey say that it is unsafe practice to do...
Reply:I drape the lead over both shoulders to take the weight off the stinger. Also, I made a 12' whip out of 4awg with a quick connector on one end and the smallest stinger I could find on the other. Compared to the 0awg lead on the welder it's like the lead isn't there.My "collection":Homemade Stick WelderVictor O/A TorchAC 225Ideal Arc 250HF 90 Amp Flux CoreHF Mig 170Solar 2020 Plasma CutterPower i-Mig 140EHarris O/A torchHF Dual Mig 131140STAlpha Tig 200x
Reply:I bought a deep C clamp from harbor freight and just clamp that to the post for an extra 'lean' support. I also tacked a bent coupon to the underside of my table to act as a hangar for the lead, which takes the weight off the stinger.