Had my first go at Arc welding today ! enjoyed it although it was a little more getting used to than mig, done ok apart from the electrodes sticking at times and couldn’t get it to arc sometimes if that’s normal ?
...So I know now to sometimes knock the end off the electrode with a file and just hold it steady contacting the workpiece and it starts up again. No need to strike it really.
It’s an inverta arc welder from yes welder manufacturer I’ve only just bought itWas it a buzz box old school arc welder or an inverter type you were using? The latter typically have more features to help reduce sticking etc.
I have basic arc welding skills. I find that the electrode can sometimes get a small cap burned on the end that can reduce re start ability. If you watch closely there is a small current first then the actual arc comes, at least when using modern inverters with Hot Start and similar features.
So I know now to sometimes knock the end off the electrode with a file and just hold it steady contacting the workpiece and it starts up again. No need to strike it really.