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wrote:

I've recently taken up welding just as a hobby... mostly out of curiousity.
I have a small stick welder... anybody have any tips or advice for using it?
It constantly sticks to the d*mn project & it's gettin real old real fast. I
"strike it like a match" to get it heated up... but maybe I just suck ;D.
Thanks in advance. Also, when I'm trying to weld.. do I hold the rod a tiny
bit away from the metal? Or press it against the metal?

If you can, take a class.

If you can't take a class, if you can, watch a welder working.

If you can't watch a welder working and you can't take a class, get several
books on welding from the library and read them.

Welding is like a golf swing -- not really amenable to teaching except in
person, or with lots of pictures.

In general, if it sticks your current is too low. On your welder's nameplate
should be a current chart for welding rod size and current range. For example,
7014 3/32" rod should run DC 75-95 amps, electrode positive.

Grant