How to Strike an Arc: Stick Welding Basics for Beginners
Ғылым және технология
When starting out with Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as Stick Welding, striking an arc is the first challenge to overcome. If you're wondering how to keep your rod from sticking, check out the tips in this video.
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Пікірлер: 538
I struck my first arc in 1971 in shop class. By 1979 I was a licensed fitter welder, I retired this past August 2020. Great career choice. My 21 year old grandson is currently nearing the end of his welding school. :)
@BobTheBreaker9
3 жыл бұрын
Very cool.. my father was a welder almost 30 years however retired early cuz he hated having 20 year olds coming out of school licensed and making more than him instantly
@xl000
3 жыл бұрын
Cool. I weld as a hobby, and I don't really understand why people have to go to schools to learn this. You can learn most of the skills in three afternoons, including breaks.
@tomthumb5445
3 жыл бұрын
@@xl000 Our world used to be get in there and figure it out. Now it is all about the credentials.
@Delta-2-0
3 жыл бұрын
@@xl000 you need to get a license to be allowed to get a job in welding for buildings or ships, atleast in the Philippines. I was almost a certified SMAW/ stick welder i just quit lol
@matan7668
2 жыл бұрын
@@xl000 the school I'm at will cwb license me after 8 months up to 6g license plus options for mig, tig, stainless, structural. Private colleges are worth the money.
I thought it was called stick welding cause that's what the rod always does. Good tips, thanks.
@AflipKID91
2 жыл бұрын
Haha good one
@ES-hm5oc
2 жыл бұрын
Nice one if that were true then I’m the best stick welder in town, mine stick so good i have to release the rod from my electrode welder
@danielsammott1018
2 жыл бұрын
Ui Pp
@jripn8543
2 жыл бұрын
Lol
@rectum5754
Жыл бұрын
@@ES-hm5oc hehe same here, good work 🤙
You're much more approachable and watchable than many of of the other welding channels... much more well spoken and knowledgeable as well
@ncstonecrew
2 жыл бұрын
I totally agree! Good teacher.
@simphiwelehlohonolo4961
2 жыл бұрын
True
A lot of welding channels come off as super condescending to beginners. Your channel doesn't do that. Your very personable. I really appreciate it.
Bro finally a person that actually makes sense for beginners lol. Glad I found your channel 🙏🏼
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks!
@crawling86
2 жыл бұрын
🙏
im self taught. i work in IT (but love to fabricate). i start my arc on a scrap plate clamped to my job piece. gets the tip clean & hot, this makes my first contact easy and predictable on thin wall tubing. i have a $90 stick machine and zero training. these videos make life easier for anyone that lacks a teacher or experience💪🏼
I took 3 semesters of welding in community college and had a natural knack for it. 13 military years later, I’m soon restarting my youthful trade as a professional welder in a U.S navy shipyard. My weld instructor showed a “push and twist” arc start technique. Think of a 90 degree perpendicular axis with your electrode & wrist. As you come in for the first contact, “push and twist” the electrode. That 90 degree twist can help eliminate a potential electrode stick over the conventional match strike or scrape technique. Depending on the thickness, he also bent his electrodes in the stinger about 90 degrees. This gave the stinger more grip within the clamp to help from sticking or added tension to help pull it out when you did without leaving your electrode behind. Thought this was worth sharing 🙂
@nicholashillikergod1stmini214
3 күн бұрын
Great info I'm gonna try it! Thank you sir
This is helpful, as well as your other tutorials. I actually did my first welding project at 10 yrs old with my father who was a welder for 35 years before retiring. He learned how to weld in the army and when he got home, he went thru an apprenticeship. We used to take trips to the junkyard for interesting items to make into animals. I had my bucket and after it was filled with goodies from metal pieces to large nuts and bolts. I made crickets, turtles, and all kinds of creatures. Dad is long gone now, but every once in a while I'll be thinking of him and I'll get a whiff of his cheap "Money Maker" Cigars and it brings me right back to those early years. Thank you pop. Your tutorials have really helped refresh my memory and it is like riding a bike- you never really forget how to ride...
I'm really glad I stumbled upon this channel. I started working for a construction company as a fleet mechanic last year, and while I had experience with MIG over my past decade in automotive dealerships it was nowhere near enough welding experience to keep up with the workload here. Our higher ups were supposed to send me and another of my coworkers to welding classes to get up to speed, but staffing shortages in our shop and money shortages in the company kept us tied to the shop in order to keep things going. I was going to sign up for welding classes at our local community college just to get it done, but Covid restrictions made the wait list 8 months long at a minimum. I tried teaching myself stick welding but it did not go well AT ALL. This channel has taught me a lot in just a short few days and helped me to work on my weak spots and learn A LOT of new skills, all for just the cost of my time. So for that, thank you, Tim. You're doing a great job and I hope to learn more from you in the future!
@mikeemmons1079
Жыл бұрын
I respect the commitment expressed in this comment.
I like the way he explain things, in a way you get it, A lot of people who makes videos don't have that gift and leave you confused.
@pixelbender896
2 жыл бұрын
He has a great teaching mentality dont he? I have sbs small brain syndrome so its ez to learn from him
Thanks bro! You are much nicer than a lot of guys that belittle you for being a rookie!👊
Thanks for posting. I just bought a cheap 110v stick welder and did a really crappy but serviceable weld on a license plate bracket (first weld ever). Watching your examples of all the different variables is really helping me figure out what I did wrong. This is a great channel for a beginner like me to learn from.
I can’t tell you what a relief it is to have this channel available. This is definitely the best welding instruction I’ve ever seen.
Thanks Tim! Got me rolling and I was able to fix my balcony handrail with dad's old arc welder. Dad taught me the very basics about twenty years ago, and I got spoiled with a MIG welder at the college I worked at. It was nice to dust his gear off and put it to use.
Tim I watched one of your YT videos yesterday and implemented your tips. I was amazed because by implementing your tips my welds starting looking professional where as prior to watching that video of yours my welds weren't even acceptable. And prior to watching your video yesterday I had watched a dozen or so other welding videos. Thanks for the brief education contained in your videos! When your welds come out looking good its a lot more fun to do this.
I stuck my first ark and i was so happy and lost my weld but now im gettin better just learning from mistakes and teach your self is my best advice
You're a super likeable guy. Very easy to learn from. Can't wait till I'm striking an arc without thinking about it. Thanks for the video
Watching this makes me so eager to do my first weld. Thanks!
Awesome channel brother! A little over 20 years ago, I was an iron worker. I sanded, painted, and loaded flatbed trucks for delivery. Then I began being taught how to weld. The second morning I was to train, that sad day 9/11 happened. The next day, I was laid off, never to return to my welding journey. Now, I'm old and trying to teach myself how to weld. I bought one of those cheap little 20amp to 120amp welders and have attempted to practice at night. Two separate times, about 20 minutes each, all I managed to do was stick the rod to the piece, melt the piece, or turn it into Swiss cheese. You're right, SO frustrating. So I have KZreadd the topic and luckily I found you. You seem easy to learn from and not a dick like I remember the iron worker teaching me was. Thank you for this video and this channel! I think I will learn a lot from you.
So glad I found you just now. You’re very detailed your explanations. Really appreciate it thanks.
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks so much!
I had all the troubles mentioned when i started. :) My biggest problem was the length of the stick and to keep it stable and the right distance from the material. Solved it by holding the rod in the middle, much more stable and striking an arc and a nice bead became much simpler. Then i cut the rods in two for the same reason. After a while it becomes easier and full length rods are no problem anymore.
@mad_mechanic
2 жыл бұрын
I keep wondering why I only have a problem with brand new sticks sticking definitely going to try cutting them in half now good idea
@ES-hm5oc
2 жыл бұрын
Me too I’m not good at handling the long rod…. Oh boy this is sounding like something other than welding
I agree with “D”, your attitude and approach are SO much better than 75% of the welding videos out there. It seems like almost everyone talks down to the audience, but you don’t have the, “ I’m a pro and you are lucky I’ll even talk to you!” Arrogant attitude. Thanks for your vids Tim!
I definitely think I’m too aggressive striking my initial arc, thank you that tip on its own is priceless.
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! I know that's what I struggled with for quite a while.
Hey Tim, just struck my first arc today. So happy that I have to rewatch this video to help me when the stick practically just sticks to the plate. LOL. so happy.
Thanks Tim, really practical points, explained in a simple, and straightforward way.
A lot of people don't know that you can also preheat your rod by touching the table or your work with the rod straight up and down and keeping pressure for eight to ten seconds, or until steam has released from the rod. It will stay hot for a minute and will be less likely to do a blow out on material thinner than your rod and also make a smoother looking finnish weld bead.
Great video, even after I have been welding on and off over 25 years. I find a new electrode on a new weld is more prone to sticking until it has been struck and used a little. After is is warm it is much easier. I also find rubbing the end of a new rod on the concrete helps to get the flux off the edge and enables the strike.
Love your videos mate. Hoping to tackle my first project Friday. Nice to see someone putting out great, positive content for the world 👍
I work in construction and weld a lot of rebar and such, the "strike a match" and file thing just saved me a lot of frustration😂
I'm just starting to learn to stick weld (and to weld in general), and videos like this are already coming in really handy.
Thanks for the good memories. I remember sitting down in our apprentice shop the first time and learning to strike my first arcs.
Most simple explanation I've seen so far, thank you
Thanks for such a simple video 🙌 Just got a new assignment to my work and I'll be starting to weld together large skeletons for docks and it was a pain as it was my first time and just had to figure it out somehow. This video explains alot, thanks 🙌
If I hadn't already subscribed, I would be again... Double great video. Tim, you have a natural style of teaching. Keep going baby. Stay safe, Jim Tree
Great video , you are a great teacher .
He just gave all of us flash burn. Thanks buddy. Kidding. Thanks for the video.
Great presentation. Clear and to the point. Kudos.
Thank You for the great information. You showed us some great tips. Your demeanor made receiving the information enjoyable.
Really cool pal. I'm Brazilian and an English teacher as well.Some of my students who are welders asked me to help them about the welding literature in English. And you have been helping me a great deal. Thanks again.
This is my first time using this electrode welding, i am a retired Chef's from Las Vegas, Nv. US now i am in Thailand, i don't like to buy wood for creating a table or other kind of furnitures because wood in Thailand are not 100% perfect there are tiny holes in it covered by saw dust that seems to be perfect but this are the tiny nest of a termites, i have to learn welding because i can create a metal furniture & on top of this, termites don't eat metals, i practice each time i have free time welding & i prefer my study from your website, i created me a portable sink using metal like 1cm x 2cm x 13 meters in US they used inch, also i created me a rest area by the farm using metal & cement but the surroundings are termites colony, i like your video, thank you for showing me more to master this kind of profession
I've done a lot of MIG and TIG.... i never did stick, but bought a TIG machine with stick capabilities... I made all the mistakes you mentioned.... Thanks for this.
I taught myself to stick weld 45 years ago with zero guidance or instruction. I didn’t have an auto darkening hood and struggled to spark an arc behind the shade. I “cheated” and exposed my eyes many many times to a very brief arc and then put the shade in front of my eyes. I burned my eyes. Several hours after the welding session, it felt like someone was grinding sand into my eyes. Was very scary. I was lucky and suffered no permanent damage. I was young and ignorant and had no oversight.
Duuude this is the best channel I’ve found so far for beginner tips. Thanks for the great content man.
With your video I was able to strike an arc for the first time and was able to hold it. Glad I found you videos THANK YOU.
Very helpful, TY! New Sub here for sure... I'm an OJT Mig welder since 96'... Factory floor assembly work mostly so my technical knowledge about welding leaves much to be desired... I really connected with your words on muscle memory as well... I struggled for a while initially learning Mig, but was in a spot where I was given the time to get the hang of it as it were... One day, it felt like it suddenly started coming to me more naturally...
Genius. We need more people in the world like you!
Thanks. I am just learning and find your tutorials very helpful.
Long time since I did any welding but I used to strike an arc by what I can only describe as "bouncing" the rod tip with a slight flick of the wrist movement. It's a way to start which if you bounce too much you just start again but you avoid sticking the rod to the work peice.
Ive been mig welding for a few months now and bought a cheap 3 in 1 machine from amazon...and i mean cheap in every sense of the word. Wasnt sure if its total junk or if its because im a greenhorn, but i couldnt get the stick to arc but only once by chance. This is giving me a LOT more confidence in my purchase an myself. Thanks Tim.
I just got my ESAB Rebel 205ci for Christmas and this definitely has helped open my eye up to stick welding, I took a class on it and I always had it stick or never wanted to go and I never thought of the sandpaper or file trick.
I tried my first stick weld today. Welding two hinges on a gas bottle wood burner door. The stick got stuck and the heat travelled all the way up it and began to glow. It actually scared me a bit. I’m going to try it again now after watching your video. Thanks for the tips. 🇬🇧
Thank you! I was erring on the low side of my Amps and welding my rod every dang time I tried to strike an arc! Frustrating is a kind way of putting it!! Lol Thanks to you, I turned that bad boy up and haven't had much trouble since! Much appreciated 😊
Better welders have a “hot start” feature. When striking the arc, the welder delivers more amperage for that short duration. That helps to prevent the sticking you sometimes get.
@chrisjones6165
3 жыл бұрын
That's cute till your in field 4 floors away from machine with 300 foot of lead
@melgross
3 жыл бұрын
@@chrisjones6165 works there too.
@calvinhandley2373
3 жыл бұрын
chris jones or your first day on the job at a shop that has an older welder without such a feature and you can't strike an arc.
@horaciosalinas8145
3 жыл бұрын
@@calvinhandley2373 u think I can go hotter
@calvinhandley2373
3 жыл бұрын
Horacio Salinas No idea without seeing the welds you're asking about. Are you getting good penetration?, what's the bead look like? If you're running practice beads keep stepping the amperage, a little at a time until you start seeing signs of excess amperage. For practice I recommend welding with as high an amperage setting as you can control with a good looking flat bead.
I’m a freshman in welding shop class and after the first day, I was already interested.
Thanks for this video. I recently started to learn how to stick weld and today I got super frustrated not being able to strike an arc and the stick kept getting stuck. I ended up putting it down for the day over frustration. Im not discouraged but this video made me feel better.
I’m 14 and I’ve started to stick weld at home this was really helpful
@aerialrescuesolutions3277
3 жыл бұрын
Please keep your eyes well shielded and always cover all your skin, I see too many welders not having proper coverage of their skin, especially the neck line. Stay safe, Jim
@punisher3233
3 жыл бұрын
@@aerialrescuesolutions3277 nice of you for giving him some support not "oooh kidoo leave that for when you get older" kind of shit
Excellent explanation Mr. Tim . thank you.
Subscribed yesterday because after watching one video i knew you are able to teach me a lot of basic welding principles.
Super informative thank you sir! I will check out more stuff of yours as I start welding school on Monday
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! I really enjoyed welding school; I was always looking for little hacks to get the most out of my time there. Best of luck!
I am sure I could have learned a lot of this stuff when I was a kid sweeping the floor of my dad's body shop. But I was a 14 year old twerp. So here I am playing catch up at 52 so my grandson can have a broader choice of career options. Thanks in advance for all the crutches you are going to provide. Between KZread, and stubbornness, I will educate this child! lol
I’ve never welded anything till yesterday, I suck. But found it fascinating and memorizing to watch it melt.
these videos are really helpful, thank you for the tips. A Really good channel for beginners like me.
Thank you so much me and my grandpa 13 and 79 are beginning stick welding and we have this problem a lot now I actually know how to strike an ark thank you so much
These are wonderful options. I used to scrape the rod on the concrete floor.
You guys make it look so easy. Today I made the first weld of my life. The chair I repaired is "welded" but It looks awful and I was beginning to rethink my new hobby. Thanks for the video, it encourages me to stick with it.
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Hang in there! We all started there. Before you know it, it will come naturally, and start to be really fun.
You should put up some painting or pictures of your work and check points to dull down the acoustics in your work room 😆 it's very echo-y. I absolutely love you tho dude you have taught me how to go from sticking and puddles and or not enough to perfect arch and no drag or too much drag to almost perfect lines or Cs or cursive Es. I actually welded my flange on my muffler and then welded the muffler to the flange on the vehicle..which without a lift is almost impossible.. but I did it. Because of you man... I can't pay for this kind of knowledge. Also mot master welders don't want you to know these things in fear of job loss or competition. Thanks again man. After I get super comfortable I'm going to teach my 11 yr old son how to stick weld and tig weld... thanks again...
Cheers bro, always getting my electrode stuck. Thanks for the tips
Thanks, great video, well presented.
Nice tips. My welds are like jam but really strong. Gotta love welding.
Thank you. Always great advice
Thanks , watching your videos is enjoyable and knowledgeable
Another hugely helpful video Tim, thank you so much for the information! Again you've taught me several things I'd never found out about this and I'm excited to put them into practice! Keep up the amazing work mate and stay safe till next time :)
For me just starting out, I learned using a forward match strike. Seemed to work well as it preps your position, let’s you ark and drag it back to weld over, and it’s almost like the coating keeps you from actually touching the plate after. I forget where I got the trick from.
Simple but useful tips 👍
your videos are amazing!! Best one out there by far. thanks so much
This was really, really helpful, I am a student in welding and I kept having my rod stick to the steel, so this was immensely helpful. I was also using a 7018 rod on 120 amperage, so it’s sorta my fault, but this helped me get it for the few times it didn’t stick.
@adanramirez1353
2 жыл бұрын
so what rod is best for 120 amperage ? lol
@dennisyoung4631
Жыл бұрын
@@adanramirez1353 1/8 inch?
@johnvonmartin7501
Жыл бұрын
I suggest set it to 150
This was very helpful! Nice video
Eureka! I struck my first arc today. I did have the amps too low and was striking way too hard. Thanks Tim. You got me going.
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! So glad it helped!
Very helpful video. I needed one when I was starting learning stick welding an I couldn't find one.
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! It's kind of hard to explain, but you can't weld much without striking an arc, so I thought it would be a worthwhile video.
Most of it comes down to fresh dry rods and good solid clean grounds more than actual technique. Also if you’re way to low on amps that won’t help either.
My grandad teaching me how to weld really well and told me to keep your hand steady so you can be more confident on your skills
Thank you - this is really helpful.
Thank you this did help a lot!
Great video and seems like such a decent dude!
Thank you for the content sir!
i start learn welding today.. and i say to many bad words coz my electrodes always stick.. stick stick and stick again... then i found this video.. so tomorrow i hope no more bad word from me because i learn something from this video 😂 greeting from malaysia
I love running stick very satisfying when done right
Absolutely love your vids man,thanks for the info
Thanks, I am new to this you were easy to follow I hope to stay with you, thanks again.
Thanks, Tim Great tips... Always appreciate! I'm a newbie here! I like the idea of the marker on the practice plate.... I will try that...Meantime, I'm having fun watching myself progress!
Very informative video, thanks!
I agree with "dan" that you are very approachable and watchable. Some videos I find there are bit and pieces I must be familiar with before the content makes sense especially the jargon. Tim's videos are like watch and learn within it. Excellent work. I can't start building sh_t I am so excited. :)
@TimWelds
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for that! Have fun!
Thanks for the tutorial cheers, I'm just learning how to stick weld any advice much appreciated, kev from the UK 👍
@josiahmichel1734
3 жыл бұрын
You can use the screws on the side of the electrode holder as well
@ivomolendijk2910
3 жыл бұрын
And in nederland also
I appreciate the info . . .just purchased a Mig/Stick machine . . .Stick seems to be the cheapest, but hardest to learn:)
Thanks mang your a life saver 👍
Welding machines in the USA have an open voltage preset for hot starts. The machine quickly reverts back to normal working voltage which helps when striking the arc. In hotter climates with humidity (Australia) the machine has a VRD (voltage reduction device) to avoid the welder getting a shock with damp gloves etc. So much harder to strike an arc without porosity. I usually strike an arc with the rod straight in and then change the rod angle as required. Takes a bit more practise but you get even coverage from the flux plume. Hope this helps as it can be very frustrating.
Thank you for useful info
Thank you for your awesome video
Thank you for basically teaching me to weld, recently bought a harbor freight welder for non critical welding hobby stuff, I have run into an issue I cannot find any info on or maybe I’m wording my search incorrectly. My welding rod, 6011, has a big fizz or sparkler effect every so often. I have been welding conduit pipe very thin, I should probably use 6013 but I’ve become quite proficient at welding this stuff by striking an arc letting it sit for about one second then pull away, doing this over and over until i get all the way around otherwise the conduit pipe 1/8” probably a little less just blows out big time. Basically I’ve been learning to weld on this stuff, your direction for amps and how to strike an arc was such valuable information thank you. I have never even welded thicker metal that wasn’t round yet but after 20 or so rods I’m no longer embarrassed by my welds and even got a compliment from a trade school welder. But why does my rod act like a sparkler at times, this typically happens when i pull away and the rod is several inches away from the metal but has a big fizz like the last seconds of a sparkler
@jimmymaracas6442
7 ай бұрын
I’m new too and you probably have this long answered by now buuut the further away your rod, the wider and more cone shaped the arc will be. Get the rod closer and the arc will be smaller and more spherical rather than cone shaped.
Thanks for giving me arc eyes now I battle to see the like button. 😄