Stick Welding Basics

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Picked up my first welder this weekend.  Got some pointers on how to get started from an Uncle in the business.  However, in the sense of you must walk before you crawl, what things do I need to focus on to become more proficient at stick welding.I practiced just striking and maintaining and started to get so I could lay down less pitiful beads, but what do I do next.  Working on perfecting beads or try welding different things together and learning as you go?What are the musts to be a better stick welder?Posting pictures of current welds and get critiqued on them?
Reply:Post some pics of your welds. Try making good beads. Then try making straight beads. Then pad a plate. Remember, perfect practice makes perfect. You can practice doing it the wrong way and you'll be great at being bad!"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:What kind of machine?A good starter rod is 6013, Runs any polarity, and is easy to burn. Great for the Ego. Heavy Slag with minimal penetration.You need to learn about arc lengths and how they affect weld qualityRod angle and direction of travel.Arc- Length of Arc GapAngle- Rod Angle in relation to weld puddleSpeed- How fast you move the rod along work pieceTravel- 1G, 2G, 5G, 6G.....1F, 2F, 3F, 4FWhen it all clicks, you'll see it in the weld you stacked...Lincoln Power MIG 210 MP ( boat anchor )Lincoln Weld-Pac 100 HDHobart IronMan 230Cutmaster 42Jackson NexGenSumner Ultra ClampsDWM120
Reply:Here is a plate, actually a piece of angle, I padded one day when I was bored. Once you get it, just keep practicing. http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=39699"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:Miller thunderbolt 225 ACI started with 2lb of HF 6011 3/32.  Was almost getting a bead going.Then today picked up 5lbs of Hobart 6013 1/8" Was getting bead relatively consistently but no where near the quality posted.Welded a 90 in a piece of 4.5" 1/8 thick approx pipe.  It was very ugly but it won't come apart without a grinder.Very limited on funds to purchasing a house on a few acres.  Trying to pick-up welding to make some repairs on stalls in the barn.  Have a huge amount of this leftover pipe so it has been the basis of all of my practice as it was free.
Reply:In addition to picts of your welds, be sure to list the rod, size, amps, and metal thickness. The more info we have the easier it is to help you out..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:Originally Posted by scotWhat are the musts to be a better stick welder??