Hey Guys, First time using an arc welder. My question is this. When I strike an arc I just seem to scorch the metal and never join it together. Could it be that the rods are old? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

Are you able to sustain an arc? Are you getting the materials hot enough to form a weld puddle?

If not this is your problem, turn up your heat setting.

Practice on some scrap and play with the heat till you are almost burning through the piece, then start cutting back and you will find your desired heat setting for the rod you are using.

Joe

Try using a 7018 rod. It is very forgiving and easy to use. Set your welder around 110-120 amps and see what happens. What rod are you using now and what are you trying to weld, size, thickness, like metals? Also, you might not have the rod close enough to the metal. Ideally you only want to be about 1/8" away. If you cannot start a puddle and lay down a bead then either your your amps are off, or you are not close enough. Like the other guy said, get it to the point to where you are burning through the steel and then back off from there. It sounds like you are not close enough though. Don't be afraid to get the tip of the rod close. If it keeps sticking, turn up the welder till it doesn't. Really it just takes practice. Also, when you get good you will recognize the sounds a good arc makes vs a bad arc. My Dad can weld blind folded and still weld better than most.

Thanks BigPappa <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
I will crank up the setting...Not really retaining a steady arc. Appreciate the imput <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Thanks Wooglin <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />
I tried using 3/32 20-75 amp electrodes. Also tried 1/16th
20-45 amp they came with the used welder I bought. The 1/16th seems not to fit correctly in the holder. I will keep trying with your advise...Much aooreciated <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />