Stick Welding 101 (SMAW) - Tulsa Welding School

In this video, Natalio Cortez, Director of training at Tulsa Welding School, shows you how to stick weld.

Tulsa Welding School, was founded in 1949 by two welders who recognized a strong demand for skilled tradesman in their industry. Over 60 years later, Tulsa Welding School (TWS) has evolved into an educational institution that prepares students for various skilled trade careers with a multitude of specialties and applications. Graduates from Tulsa Welding School are trained to have the knowledge, skills and essential attitude to immediately enter their chosen profession.

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[CharlesM-dpxe]

I live and work on a large tobacco farm; we have 8 tractors, never a day passes when something doesn't need repairing. I'm 70-ish I have only ever welded with stick, no wire. The smallest stuff is 2"x3/8 angle or 1/2" stock or thicker and almost always in the field and rarely in a shop setting. Almost never is the weather agreeable or any position comfortable. No one taught me anything I learned completely on my own over 50 years ago working on large oil tankers (ships) and offshore oil platforms. I learned everything the hard way, in some cases I was fortunate to remained employed. I appreciate these videos immensely as I can see many things I need to relearn. Thank you for this valuable opportunity ! Even at my present age I am always eager to learn.

[Roadgl]

As a 60 something noob to welding, this is my reference video. Thanks Natalio and Tulsa Welding School for helping those of us too old to spend time in school, but who still want to learn how.

[alroman]

Natalio, I’ve logged about 5 hours watching beginner SMAW videos on YouTube. The hour I invested in your tutorial and can emphatically say that you addressed questions I had about angle, speed, rod gap and dry run prep. Moreover, your detailed tips and demonstration touched on areas not covered by other YT sites. Outstanding tutorial, no small wonder that you are Director of training at Tulsa. I’m 62 and just purchased a multi process welder as I have some projects in my future. I’ll search your channel for more instructional videos. Gracias hermano. Que vive la raza!

[steveandrushko]

I have been welding for over 46 years I was a welder in the Navy for 20 years this.... is an outstanding video

[rebeccaarcher]

So my local instructor skipped almost all of these important points! I am SO thankful for this incredible step by step what to do what not to do instruction!!!! I’m sure that my second class will be much better than my first class!!

[leonlowenstadter]

Living in Germany I probably won't have the opportunity to take one of your classes in Tulsa. So, a big thank you from over the ocean!

[ramirocortez]

That's my big brother! Took welding in high school because of him and now I make a pretty good living from welding. Good video brother! 💯👍😎

[cbaadintex]

Yeah. This guy is great. He was there at Houston's campus. He's a good instructor, true that, but hes a really cool cat. Positive attitude, always friendly and he keeps tabs on the students there. Hard to find an instructor at tws that is willing and glad to help. Keep it up Mr Natalio.

[prescillavargas]

Wow! God gave you the ability to teach! I have ADHD and dyslexia and even with that YOU KEPT MY INTEREST AND ATTENTION. You are so thorough and very easy to understand. Thank you God bless you for your patience. I'm new to welding about 3 years as a side hustle and you taught me so much that I can now feel comfortable and confident in my welding. Thank you so so much your a God sent.

[Vinlaell]

Just got my welder and after soo many videos of hobby welder videos i never learned so much so quickly and easily as this thank you!

[snowbank]

The first time i learned the proper way to weld. Thanks for the details.

[realthoughts]

Always Be Comfortable! I loved how Mr. Cortez drilled that into my head in one video. I knew nothing before the video now tips on dry run, start where you finish, don’t drag, 1F, 2F &3F, disengage when stuck and building your puddle. This guy is an awesome instructor!!! Thanks

[ArisandBeth]

I am having difficulty learning SMAW, but your video helps me al lot! Thank you!😊

[candyman]

Natalio one of the best instructors there helped me passed my overhead and learned alot from him.

[scottgibbons]

You are a excellent teacher I've never had it explained so easily you taught me more in one hour than in years

[henrisquire]

This was the most detailed and properly explained welding video I've seen yet, I've been watching many since January 2021. Not just telling you how to deal with the weld but when a beginner get's stuck how to dislocate the electrode when it does. Thanks.

[Angel-pguf]

I'm new at the whole welding world and thanks to you I found out that I kept dragging the welds and that's why they were so inconsistent and weak. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[TheInvisibleOne]

Out of all the people that watched and used this videos knowledge it needs way more thumbs up. 👍🏼

[kbrown]

Thank you so much for this video. I was on the verge of giving up on welding until I viewed this video. Very helpful, thanks.

[TulanePass]

This was good.

“Push” not “drag” demonstration is spot on.