On Mon, 09 Jan 2006 02:33:11 -0600, Don Foreman
wrote:

On Mon, 09 Jan 2006 00:52:28 -0600, Jon Elson
wrote:

One of the tricks is to use the torch as a light shield. You want to be
able to see as much of the weld puddle as you can, but you DON'T want to
see the electrode.

That sounds like a good trick. I don't think I don't do that
when I'm welding, but I'm gonna try it. Do you have any trouble
maintaining your electrode distance from the work when you can't see
the electrode?

I'm not sure what the purpose of this trick is. If you are wearing
the proper welding hood the electrode shouldn't be any brighter to
look at than the molten puddle which by this time should be glowing a
bright radiating color. Also, keeping an eye on the electrode tip
allows you to keep an eye on it's condition. If the arc coming from
the tip is small and pin-point you should keep doing what you're
doing. But if the arc is getting fat and bulbous you've probably
dipped your rod and need to re-grind it to a 20 degree point.

John P.