SMAW - Supporting the stick

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Long story short; I've heard quite a lot of my classmates/friends that experiences some instability problems with the longer electrodes and was simply wondering what you guys do in order to avoid that?Some of them do try to stabilize it by simply holding it with their free hand, which however has proven to be quite stupid as the gloves tend to get contaminated with whatever they get used for when not welding (oil from carrying the material etc.), and thus brings pores to the weld. (I suppose I do not need to add that most of them do tend to forget to use other gloves for such things :P)At first I was thinking about making some kind of stick with half a loop to support it with the free hand, which you can simply put aside when the electrode is short enough that you can manage it yourself, but I'm not so sure how that would actually work out when welding.Any ideas?
Reply:With long sticks if the position permits it I usually use the top side of my free hand to support the rod.  Ex... I am lefty so I have the stinger in my left hand and then when I start a new rod I place my right hand so that the rod is resting over the top of my right hand between my 1st  and 2nd set of knuckles.  Kinda hard to get the tops of your gloves dirty  Usually only have to do this if I have had too much coffee or I am in an uncomfortable position.  Usually only needed for the first 1/4 of the rod.  Be careful how long you do this because depending on what rod you  are running they can get hot enough to start to burn your hand.  You can also just bend the rod at the end where it goes into the stinger if it will get you in a more stable position.Thats a couple things I have found that help me.
Reply:Ah didn't even think of that to be honest, too close I suppose! :PBut yes, only had the first part of the stick in mind as it's easier to keep it stable when it's shorter Thanks!
Reply:Pretty much what ggarner said for me too.  I'll use two hands as well from time to time.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:While I use mig/tig gloves mostly, if I am going to do a lot of stick welding then I am going to have the beasts on.  It is hard to get those oily as using them for regular work would prove ineffective.  I use the beasts also for fluxcore and dualshield also.  They can take alot of heat before I can't stand it anymore.While I have been known to hold the electrode, I prefer to double hand hold the stinger and rest my support hand against something solid.  That one thing will greatly improve anyone's welding.  This way of holding the stinger even the longest, flimsiest, electrode is controllable.
Reply:I use two hands to hold the stinger. I am right handed so I will rest my left arm or elbow on somewhere for stabilization. Then when the rod burns down enough I will just finish it with one hand.I have only used 14" rods. The only ones I have a problem with shaking are the 3/32" and under."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Can't quite remember which finger/knuckle I use, but it is one of them, and it varies.And a QUICK removal of said hand part when it starts to get toastyI tried pressing my nose against the rod, but I found that the snot messed up the flux coating "Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Haha what on earth made you do that farmersamm?Suppose I should add that when they've experienced these problem the workpieces has mainly been "floating around" in the air, such as practising H-L045 when standing up and thus not having too much to lean on for support. Perhaps I should just tell them to let off the coffee for a while and see what that does! Have a feeling it might result in having something thrown at me but hey, what won't one do to help friends
Reply:Now i may sound like some doctor But its all about "fine motor control", at one time i was welding a screw conveyor on the top of coils with a buffer stick to prepare it for Hard facing, and after continuous 2-3 days of welding there is Huge difference in how much shaking the hand/hands does. But then again its about practice. ¤If you got money, i've got time
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manThe only ones I have a problem with shaking are the 3/32" and under.
Reply:Originally Posted by HGHS-CorpBut its all about "fine motor control"
Reply:if all else fails i find that lifting the hood, striking the right side of my face with my bare hand and saying"god damm it you shaky son a of a bitch stand still"   in a loud voice will improve my work...
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammI tried pressing my nose against the rod, but I found that the snot messed up the flux coating
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Shaking?!  I thought I had a good 'HF weave' goin' on there.
Reply:I use two hands and lean the shoulder, or elbow on anything I can.For finer detailed work I bend the rod in half about three inches from the top.It's a night and day difference.Occasionally, I'll guide the rod with my free hand.My question is:Which positions are you working on that you find your classmates have difficulty? If it's vertical, or overhead I would suggest an arm rest to lay the forearm, or elbow on.1981 Lincoln SA 200Miller Trailblazer 302gMiller 211 Mig Welder w/ AutosetI'm learning to stick metal together
Reply:Originally Posted by jsm11My question is:Which positions are you working on that you find your classmates have difficulty? If it's vertical, or overhead I would suggest an arm rest to lay the forearm, or elbow on.
Reply:That rod would be a handfull out of position Sara.Perhaps some practice with one of these rods shown leaning against a little Kemppi would help with strength training?The large one is 19mm x .98m and about 3 kilo. Matt
Reply:hahah not bad, not bad, yeah now that's a challenge!
Reply:Here is another large one. Talk about needing some support. jrw159 Attached Images
Reply:those are nice, but what do your tie-ins look like?  UA Local 598