Stick Welding Quick Tip... Shortening Electrodes (Video)

ChuckE2009 · May 17, 2013

Goodafternoon everyone,

Just thought I'd share a quick video that I'd put together... This is on taking a full size 14" stick electrode, cutting it in half, and being able to use both halves.

Its something that could help you when welding in close quarters, or around small diameter pipe, or other small objects... Its even something I did when I first started welding, because that shorter electrode amplifies less of your hand's vibrations and is a little easier to guide, if you're really new to welding.

Anyway, maybe it can make your life easier... I like to use mini-bolt cutters and just "half" them, but I know some people like to "clean things up" with a belt sander, or angle grinder or the like... I personally don't, because this can crack the flux, but hey, whatever works for you...

Heres the video, hope y'all enjoy it

Have a good weekend, everyone

Arc weld · May 17, 2013

Is electronical a word?:laughing: It's always a good idea to strike the arc 1/2" or so ahead of where your weld will start and move back once a smooth arc is established. This helps to eliminate porosity at the start, especially with 7018. Doing root passes with 6010, you start on the previous weld to get your arc/puddle established and then move to the keyhole. The root gets ground before the hot pass anyway. 3/32" rods are usually 12". With the twist style stingers you can bend the bend the rods easier for tight spots. Having shorter rods is good too, that's why I always keep rod stubs that are longer than a couple inches. Trying to cut some rods in half will cause the flux to come off in chunks.