Stick Welding: #1 Beginner Mistake and How to Fix It

There's often only one thing going wrong and this might be it...

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), also known as Manual Metal Arc (MMA) or Stick Welding can be a challenging process for beginners to learn. Check out this video to see how to fix this common mistake among beginners.

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[TheGuyfromWhiterun]

I've been a Welder for 12 years now and I still watch your videos just because you should never stop learning. Great explanaition Tim, great video!

[mansaaron]

As a hobbyist, it might be months in between welding projects. It’s nice to have refreshers like these. Thanks Tim!

[TheManamba]

I'm a hobbyist, and this advice is pure diamonds. I'm so happy just to get the spark, and no NOT getting stuck, that I ignore every other parameter. My welds are very uneven, and now I know why !

[Bettinasisrg]

I'm a women and I learned on Oxy/Acet, my welding instructor was awesome and he said women catch on faster if they sew because he has similar movements. I was so happy to hear that! You're a great instructor like he was and it's much appreciated.

[highrthannasa]

As a brand new welder, I wanna thank you for teaching me. I was a little intimidated at first seeming I never had anyone to teach me these things so I'm pretty much self taught w/ most things. The way you break everything down is almost like an "Idiots Guide to Welding."
Thank you thank you thank you! 🙏 🤘✊️

[ronwhited]

Keeping a shorter arc length is also invaluable when you run across metals that have a strong magnetic presence, such as super hard armor plate for example. A shorter arc length also allows you to move a little faster, thus minimizing excessive heat and warpage of thinner materials.

[moccyblueeyes]

Channels like yours are the reason the internet was created. Thanks for all your videos Tim.

[douglasboyle]

Someday down the road I might pick up a welder for little projects, your tips and tricks are great because you really do explain the wrong vs right very in a clear and easy to understand way, making it seem like a less daunting idea.

[MK-efnb]

I just started welding classes for stick this semester at a nearby community college. GI bill pays me to go to college 🇺🇸. Like your video bro!!

[denvillehamilton]

Tim, I want to say thanks a million bud. I have actively been welding around 8 months and it all started with your videos. If I am unsure about how I'm doing i just watch the videos you've done on that specific area and boom 💥 instantly i know where i'm going wrong. You're a great help and a even bigger inspiration to me and to all who is actively involved in the welding world. So for those who are reading this, hobbyists or pros Tim's the best guy

[IRonIcScopez]

This is definitely it. I was learning to stick weld just being a helper for a welder, he was nice enough to teach me. I always remember him saying "get that stick closer, push it in there" and it took a while for it to get stuck in my mind.

[DStein-jnls]

Thanks, Tim. I’m a beginner MIG welder looking to start with stick. As always, your videos provide some great information to help me avoid mistakes from the beginning. Always look forward to your insights. Keep up the great work!

[byrdsdoityourselfgarage]

This was the most simplistic, insightful, lesson I've ever watched, on arc welding. Dude, you are a natural teacher! Great job :) I learned a lot💪

[Cooliemasteroz]

As an armature welder that was a great reminder for me, very clear and precise and I imagine this short video will help a lot of people. Thanks.

[tajmahal]

I just bought a little 14a welder for small household stuff and tinkering in my workshop to make jigs an' stuff. These videos are invaluable to a newbie - and pros alike.
Thanks, Tim.

[Rayden]

I'm no welder, but I do break out the welding machine once in a while because I work as a mechanic. It was my eureka moment when you showed me the end of the rod and said how some of the arc is actually hidden. I will use what I learned here on the next time I weld with stick!

[stevetobias]

I'm totally new to welding, I got myself a new MMA kit so I finally learn, even if well into my 50's. Your videos are helping me learn the techniques. One thing I need is thicker electrodes, only have a box of 2.5mm so far. Cheers mate.

[adeh]

Love this guy, no long winded BS straight to the point and very clear

[chairmankim]

Your videos have helped my weld quality improve a lot. Thanks.

[Irondrgntp]

You have the best tips in my opinion. I love how direct and comprehensive, high quality they are. Great for beginners and experts!