My ARC beads from class

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Well as alot of you know I finally started class. It's pretty much one on one instruction, so I could'nt be happier. At first I could'nt keep the rod from sticking, big shocker there huh? Now I'm able to strike an arc fairly well. I'm also having a better time 'seeing' what I'm doing. I don't mean the shade of my lens, more like getting use to looking at something differently. It's hard to explain, but now I'm seeing the puddle more and my eyes are learning to bounce around and 'multi-task'. It's amazing, if you even think about farting it shows in your bead. As they say, practice, practice, practice.Anyway, let me have it! Let me know your thoughts on what to correct. Thanks,mikeOh yeah DC, 7018 and about every other row used 1/2 rod.Last edited by 4xJedi; 02-12-2004 at 08:53 PM.I do understand that's why I drive a Toyota!!
Reply:well for first time out ...looks good ....need to work on your travel speed ...smooth and constant is what your looking for ....and you was useing 1/8 rod right??
Reply:Thanks, smooth is the hard part for me right now. Trying to get comfortable and keeping my arm movement steady/smooth is my current hurdle. Yes 1/8th" rod. Thanks again Boilerman.mikeI do understand that's why I drive a Toyota!!
Reply:I'd say you burn another 10 to 15 pounds of rod, and you'll not only be able to think about farting, you'll be able to cut loose without it showing.Are you trying to do it one handed, or are you using your other hand for a rest?Appreciation Gains You Recognition-
Reply:I agree with Franz, looks good for first time.  I dont see much spatter at all.  My first beads were much worse than that, I had spatter as big as buckshot and of course the beads looked terrible.
Reply:Franz,Yes one handed with my left hand resting on the table or rack. The first night the instructor told us to use both hands, grip the stinger like a pistol for extra support in the begining. Well that did'nt work for me at all. My body swayed too much. If you ever thought a first 'bird crap' bead could'nt look worse...well. I then tried the one handed approach. I also took the weight off the cable and that helped even more. He came by and said that was fine, he just likes to start out basic with everyone.JMB,Those are'nt my very first beads, I did'nt even want to admit to those .All in all, I'm having a complete blast learning this. Thanks again to all that have helped.mikeI do understand that's why I drive a Toyota!!
Reply:Looks good to me, Mike.  I'm impressed.And that opinion is qualified only by the fact that I have done just enough stick to know how bad a bead can look.
Reply:Nice job Mike.  Ain't it fun?
Reply:Try using two hands, but rest your left elbow(if your right handed) on the table or vice.  Or, sometimes helps to get your hip against the table.  Maybe brace the forearm rather than the elbow.  However you brace,check to see if you have enough movement to be able to burn the whole rod without moving your brace point off the rest.
Reply:a big thing that will help you is to get comfortable ...if you are in a position and not comfortable you will be fighting it the whole way. even when i'm in a spot i will work at getting comfy before i even think of clamping a rod up......if you can sit ...worry about out of position welding after you get the hang of it ...might want to try and hold the rod with you other hand ...about in the middle ....don't hold it to tight and use both hands to weave your rod as your leaning on table and as the rod becomes short move you hand up till it is the size that is easier  to control one handed then let go ....but trust me if you hang on to long ....you'll know it ...still sometimes i'll hang on to long ....be thinking of something else and feel glove starting to get hot ....by then it's to late
Reply:looks good mike !I have problems sometimes being steady also, most of the time I realize that I've got my elbow kicked way out and it's throwing me off. If I remember to keep my elbow tucked in by my side (when applicable) I can do alot better.keep up the good work ! - jack
Reply:Good gawd, you guys are startin to sound like a bunch of them golf players.  Hang the cable across the back of your neck, to keep the weight of the cable off the stinger and spread your feet out so you have a good stance, and commense burnin rods.  Forget everything about whippin and technique, and just watch your deposit till you get comfortable burnin rod.  After that, the rest will fall in place slicker than snot on a doorknob.Appreciation Gains You Recognition-