Stick welding problem

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I am trying to weld stainless steel baskets with Super Missileweld.  All of the welds are very short.  1/4 to 1/2 inchAfter I lift the stick and try to start the next weld I cannot strike an arc because the welding wire is about 1/8 of an inch recessed in the flux.What is causing this?
Reply:I think it is suppose to do that I have some rods that did the same thing. I would just tap it were I was going to lay my next bead.Will   Supports Autism Awareness                            My ToysBobCat 225 PLusMillermatic 130Miller Spectrum 300 CutmateEverlast Power Tig 185 Micro April is Autism Month .
Reply:Or pinch the end of the electrode with you glove and crumble the coating shroud off, Either way, common issue though, no worries.If you don't have the time to do it right, then you definitely don't have the time to do it over.
Reply:Ever weld with 7018?  Just bang the end of the rod on the bench until the slag breaks off and it arcs.  Continue welding just like you would with a fresh rod.
Reply:Great responses, I've had the same problem and I thought it was just my technique!
Reply:thats exactly what you do..i just "twirl" the end with my gloves and fire away.....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:I don't do much stick welding anymore, mostly tig, but when I do I use high frequency start and my foot pedal to get a hot start. It sure gives you a lot of control of the arc.  Of course you would need a power source with those features.
Reply:Originally Posted by 76GMC1500Ever weld with 7018?  Just bang the end of the rod on the bench until the slag breaks off and it arcs.  Continue welding just like you would with a fresh rod.
Reply:what you are experiancing is what is called the crucible cup and the rod is designed to burn that way.it will give you the most penitration when th lip of the flux is riding on the metal surfacethis is why they call some rods drag rods because you drag them across the surface
Reply:this happens to me somtimes as well...i just tap the end of the rod on the concrete and then go back to welding...works good for me