Stick noob.

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Hey all I am relatively new to stick welding, I know enough to actually weld pieces of metal together, it's not always the prettiest.  Just wondering if anyone has any good tips/links to make it better??  I have a 240v welder and some 6011 sticks as well as lots of 1/4" plate.  Thinking of trying to build a bumper for my 82 GM diesel.  Sent from my iPhone
Reply:Your question is really to vague to give you any useful advise. Do some welds and post up picts along with settings, machine used, rod type and size, polarity, material thickness and so on and we'll be happy to help..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:Youtube.Or bring pictures next time.
Reply:if your just starting i would use 6013 for a production type light duty, the only time i use 6011 is when i have to tack things together and weld over with a 7018, or light duty overhead. but for beginners, get a 5lb box of 6013 1/8 or 5/32. remeber crank up your amps, 6013 requires more arc force, also put more oscalation to it, either a cursive e or whip and pause. hope this helps.
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13if your just starting i would use 6013 for a production type light duty, the only time i use 6011 is when i have to tack things together and weld over with a 7018, or light duty overhead. but for beginners, get a 5lb box of 6013 1/8.... remember to crank up the amps.....
Reply:Never whip and pause with 6013 rod. 6013 is a drag rod and if you whip out and pause with it, you will run into trouble. 6010 and 6011 are whip and pause rods, not 6013. 6013 and 7014 are great rods for the beginner stick welder. They strike and restrike an arc with ease. They both run fine on ac weld current as well.
Reply:YES 6010/6011, whip and pause.  Use 6013, or 7018 (Lincoln Excalibur are awesome), and take some of that 1/4" plate you have and practice running stringer beads 10-inches long, overlapping them 1/2. 1/8” rod is good to practice with.  Cover the plate with stringer beads, then cover the other side, then do it again.  When you can run stringer beads in the flat position, straight and overlapping 1/4-1/2 the thickness of the bead, then practice horizontal and vertical.  Here is a link to an article I just found in a search.  Check it out, and practice practice, practice.  Consider taking a class at your local junior college.  You will save money in the long run, and learn how to do it right from the start.  Have fun, and post some pics when ya can.Garhttp://www.weldmyworld.com/quick_welding_tips/2011/05/Lincoln Electric, Power MIG 256Hypertherm Powermax 45 Miller Dynasty 280DXSmith O/A torchGenesis of a welding table