another newbie question

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Hello all, I was just wondering if welding practices are absolute, or can you vary it a little to make it work. the reason I ask this is that every video I've watch says when stick welding, you drag the electrode from left to right. but when I do that, the electrode blocks my vision. I've tried to reposition my head, but then I can't get the rod angle correct. but I discovered that if I angle the rod towards me, I can see what I'm doing. would there be any issues with this? Thanks again
Reply:Originally Posted by bikercatHello all, I was just wondering if welding practices are absolute, or can you vary it a little to make it work. the reason I ask this is that every video I've watch says when stick welding, you drag the electrode from left to right. but when I do that, the electrode blocks my vision. I've tried to reposition my head, but then I can't get the rod angle correct. but I discovered that if I angle the rod towards me, I can see what I'm doing. would there be any issues with this? Thanks again
Reply:I think it will be something you will just have to get used to.  For me I have learned when I am about to put out the arc, because its so tight of an arc. Just my two cents...Forney C5 Arc WelderLincoln Idealarc 250-250 Ac/Dc Arc WelderMiller Bobcat 225g PlusLincoln PowerMig 200Forney O/A Rig
Reply:I believe if you try very hard to concentrate on rod tip, puddle and the gap between the 2 you will have better luck. Try not to focus on the entire rod just yet.It is important to watch gap, puddle, and area to be welded all that stuff as you progress but for now get comfortable with gap and travel and puddle. Hope that helps.
Reply:Stick welding I tend to touch, hover, then dip and drag (I think). Been doing it so long I don't think about it. TIG I sometimes actually go backward for short fills or even just run slow over the bead to blend and penetrate or smooth a high spot. My TIG runs seldom resemble the videos I've seen. If its strong, airtight and looks decent what else is there?
Reply:I watch the puddle, that's where the magic happens. There's "by the book" then there's the real world when you figure what works for you. I've always felt that whatever you can do to get comfortable, the better the weld will be.RyanMiller Multimatic 200 tig/spool gun/wireless remoteMillermatic 350P, Bernard/XR Python gunsMiller Dynasty 350, Coolmate 3.5 & wireless remoteCK WF1 TIG wire feederMiller Spectrum 375 XtremeOptrel e684Miller Digital EliteMiller Weld-Mask
Reply:You want a drag angle not drag it on your work.  Left to right or right to left does not matter.  You can always switch hands to do what ever it takes.  Hood time makes all of this easier.  Dan D.Manipulator Of Metal
Reply:I am left-handed, so when welding I go from right to left, always maintaining the perfect angle!!! Most of what is taught about the trades will come from a right-hander's point of view, so the lefties at times find themselves challenged when learning from watching or reading if the teacher is right-handed. One thing new welders need to learn is that you are trying to teach your hands and eyes to work together like perhaps never before. And as is often recommended, this is usually accomplished with lots of hood time(unless you are left-handed!!!)
Reply:thanks for all the advice, will keep practicing.