STICK WELDING 101: Getting Started With SMAW

[@jocat2008]

As I welding instructor and program director, I have NO issue showing any of Bob's videos to any of my classes. Instruction and information is always spot on!

[@johnhwallace8091]

I went well in school I learned anything most I accept predict long working I want anything and nobody told me anything interrupt me and I lost today I was in couldn't figure out what was wrong so I just woke up the door about 20 or 30 years ago I don't know so they told anything about that long working there or not I don't even know if they had to phones in. What I'm saying now I would like that happened there then anyway I give up willing but always wanted to find out what my mistake was now I found out thank you sir bye-bye TV

[@browsebywire4096]

I was just about to say the same thing.

[@bagers5636]

What would you think about having them write an essay on your videos instead of letting them do actual work. I am in highschool and I have a welding instructor, not a teacher.

[@jmoonies_racing2642]

I have a real interest in buying my first machine and learning this ART/CRAFT … it’s amazing … if I can fix metal …. Then I’ll be able to fix MOST things … that’s unbelievably valuable

[@br5747]

@@johnhwallace8091 Huh?

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

you were meant to do these video's. well spoken, easy to understand, no fancy BS. Well done!!

[@maximkushner5647]

That’s why he’s a teacher…

[@OreoHT]

@@maximkushner5647 you can be a teacher and be terrible at it. His point is that his explainations and demonstrations are understandable and well done.

[@Ritalie]

His uncle is actually Billy Bob Thornton.

[@alangreen7050]

Very good teacher also his accent and speaking patterns makes it so it’s easier to keep up for people like me with ADD. I’ve had teachers that were fast talkers from the city and it was just a ton of information too quickly that didn’t stick with me

[@johnhwallace8091]

@@alangreen7050 I g95piuttr Ori p of do

[@billparsons7732]

I don't think this man realizes how helpful he's been to 1,000s of people. Simple for him because of skill built over time, but a game changer for me. Thank you. When you get good at a skill, never become proud; always remember the people that helped you along the way. Keep your attitude of gratitude and always help others.

[@michaeljimenez8399]

I just applied to my local ironworkers Union. I can’t get work yet as I don’t know how to weld. I convinced one of the instructors to let me come once a week to practice welding. Went to my first weld class this Thursday. I sucked ass, but after a few hours I think I can get the hang of it. Your videos have helped me immensely. I’ve written everything down as if I was back in college. Thank you.

[@924rcalley]

That was the best beginner tutorial I've seen on KZbin.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

Thank you Rick.

[@JEGHETTO]

I feel like I need some type of certificate and a graduation party after watching this. 😃

[@GazinGeezer]

@@bobmoffatt4133 Rick Calley nailed my thoughts exactly too. You are the absolute best instructor I have ever had for ANY industrial process.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

@@GazinGeezer Many thanks for the kind words and support.

[@cwell9806]

Facts

[@ohioemeregncyresponsevehic3381]

I'm 14 and learning with an old lincoln arc welder, I'm getting better and this channel is helping me out more than I could've ever though.

[@Ritalie]

Did you ever upgrade your welder? Is it an AC only welder? How do you like AC arc welding? I thought about buying a modern $129 DC arc welder. I know MIG welders are so much nicer and easier to use. But $129 for a 215 amp arc welder, is about 1/4th of the price of a 215 amp MIG.

[@SupermanEst-ju4ii]

Got an old Lincoln DialArc that my dad started teaching me on a little and I was getting decent with years ago. I'm fixing to start back welding car/truck parts & metal framing

[@jeremybudreau7722]

@@Ritalie what brand are you buying or bought by now do you like it

[@biggibbs4678]

@@Ritalie MIG welders aren't necessary that much better. Stick welding is also a more versatile skill to have.

[@MarioMendez-s1b]

Keep being persistent, and remember this, every day you will learn something new, no matter how old one is!

[@TheHandsomeRyan]

I appreciate the straight forward nature of the instruction. I'm self-taught and having clear, concise, authoritative information like this is really helpful.

[@greg1324]

Ryan Cooper Good day to you. Since your self taught did you purchase a welding machine? If so what type of machine did you buy and how did you go about purchasing the right one?

[@richardmcelroy6574]

Right not 17 commercials or having to sell one anything on and he didnt tell us how to plug the machine in and the right outlet and try to impose his preference. He gave his and let the viewer choose. Good observation on your part and i am a self taught person as well

[@JJ305JJ]

Greg not sure if he saw your message. But I went with a Forney multi-process welding machine that does DC/110V/140amp. For starting out I figured it was a good choice, good price. If I ever get good enough to make money of welding I think I will buy the Esab Rebel but that joint cost $3K

[@richardmcelroy6574]

@@JJ305JJ thank you

[@longlimboy]

yeah i came down here to say the exact same thing, authoritative, confident, and direct. I feel I can trust this man's knowledge and go get it done

[@donschneider7252]

I'm just a farmer type welder and have forgotten most of what i learned in a beginners welding class decades ago. With that said I really appreciate your on line welding classes. Thanks for taking the time and effort.

[@gtweak7]

Just finishing my first stick welding project and now I can understand why some of my 6013 welds look crappy - I just try too hard with the stitching motion, the slag gets trapped and the result happens to be very porous. As to the video itself - that's 120% information in 24 minutes. Thank you for the video!

[@jcreek1509]

Thanks Bob, Great video. Pushing myself from MiG to stick weld. Your video is really helpful to us hobby guys.

[@joer825]

Light, crispy, flaky slag. There's a man who loves his welding and his pastries! Great vid

[@cuddlebuddy88mc]

Geewiz. Thank you. I just started class last week and have zero experience. Most of the other students have had some experience: a relative owns a business or shop. It felt like baptism by fire. My instructor is hands-off and briefly mentioned a few things. These videos help tremendously 🎉. I think I got it for now.

[@TheLittlered1961]

It has been about 20 years since I welded. Was self taught. My favorite rod was 7014 DCEN. I was so hoping that you were going to cover that one. The reason I loved it was because I could literately drag the rod with the correct angle. I believe the reason for this was the electrode melted in such a way that the flux acted as an electrical insulator, when done the tip was concave. The only problem I had with it was welding vertical. Did not matter if I went up or down. I have read that this is a common problem with that rod. Other than that it was a dream rod. Slag pealed off before I was done. Very clean welds. I even tested one of my welds. It was on an auto leaf spring. Cut it in half and welded it back together. Put it in a press to see where it would break. It was not on the weld. Took the full 12 ton to do it to.

[@samurai1833]

I don't know the first thing about welding, but this was excellent. When you started singing Devo, and talking dabs I knew I found my teacher.

[@angelinavoss8441]

I'm a welding student and I find your videos more informative than those used in class. Thanks for the help

[@mastermeme]

Same

[@SinnerSince1962]

@@mastermeme Ditto.

[@waltermartindale9008]

accidental contact with the thumb down button. His videos certainly are helpful

[@gavinhughes6054]

we use his in the classroom😹

[@salazam]

If your instructor has to use videos, your instructor sucks. Get your money back!

[@rolltide9397]

wish this man was my teacher I've never welded but I want to learn im going to trade school in august and im working with a traveling welder by my house and im watching videos that way I have some knowledge of what im doing and this man has taught me more in 20 minutes than I've learned in 2 weeks of watching other people

[@PatrickAuderer]

I welded years ago with my father helping, now he's gone and I need a refresher, good video.

[@jontest5718]

Between this guys skill, knowledge, and dry humor this video is awesome.

[@patrickmason-green9700]

What a great instructor. Some people just want to impress you. NOT THIS GUY. No clap trap, no pointless tech, just good grounded advice from a guy that knows what he is doing. I salute you mate. Thank you so much.

[@yuhaosun1938]

I absolutely love his passion and humor

[@RickSinclair]

Love your teaching style. As someone who just bought a welder (multi-process) for his 15 y/o who's taking welding; I now find that I want to give it a go to make retirement more interesting. Watching you is almost as good as having you here in person! Can't wait to watch more of your lessons. Thank you for making these videos.

[@Nordling89]

This guy is a natural when it comes to brief informative educational content

[@Blue_Toaster]

I'm currently doing high school stick welding, this really helped me understand how to handle the process

[@izzyarias2191]

I get exited every time I watch these tutorials. We just learned how to whip it in class today.

[@shreddder999]

1:03 Well, that explains the problems. I was trying to run AM and FM.

[@osulxa]

I am here because I want to learn as a hobby and fabricate my own bbq smoker. I am have an extremely difficult time finding local classes on this subject matter. I am a beginner. These videos are exactly what I am looking for. I have no equipment and I haven't started yet. But I am learning the terminology and by watching. This guy is great. I used to watch my grandfather welding and cutting as a child growing up on a farm but I never touched any of the equipment.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

Have you built your smoker / grill yet? Where are you located?

[@HeritageCraftsKnowledgeReposit]

Great video! Ive been doing stick for over 35 years, learned from my grandfather, and he showed me the same way you are. Its always great for us "old heads" , and a damned good idea, for us to have these refresher courses from time to time! Thanks!

[@raff5604]

Thank You!!! I'm learning the basics from a friend at work. We raise and service tower cranes and I have always admired just how skilled my friend is.

[@ditzydoo4378]

in the roughly 24 minutes of this video you have clarified and dispelled so many misconceptions I had about stick welding. I currently have an older Miller Fifty/Fifty AC/DC welder. Thanks to you I now know how to get much more out of the welder than I had in the past. Thank you for all you do.

[@rkoeneke]

Bob Moffat folks.... What can you say? He's an American treasure! Thank you so much for all of the information you have made available to us Bob and team!

[@311mdub]

I never took a welding class, but this guy would be a good teacher and be a fun class to take. Seems super laid back and explains things in layman’s terms so anyone can understand if

[@kyeldecker7488]

This guy is a amazing teacher he keeps u interested and knows his shit hands down the only one I watch shout to him for getting me so involved with something I have missed out on for yrs

[@davedunn2124]

Awesome! Great job explaining everything Bob. You are a true teacher born to do such. Thanks again

[@RaviSingh-xl3os]

I know nothing of welding but watched this full video because the way this guy teaches its amazing & his welds are beautiful. Great work dude very informative👏👍👌

[@johnradke7633]

Gotta love this guy’s personality, he is awesome

[@PaulJones-bo8gt]

Perfect video explaining exactly how each rod works and how to use them. Fantastic instructor.

[@thomascampbell2624]

I first learned how to weld when I worked at a rock quarry. Since everything was rusty and/or muddy, it was a pretty good teaching ground. Everyone can learn in a lab-like environment, right? I bought a Lincoln 225 about 20 years ago and have used it for countless hobby projects. I naturally discovered 6013 as my favorite rod, but never knew the science behind it. This was a fantastic video. You got a new subscriber in me.

[@crazytonguecat]

AMAZING VIDEO!!! Thank you so much Bob!!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@JonDingle]

Now that was another fine video and probably the best explanation and demo for stick welding on the net! Very, very good indeed! Many thanks!

[@Welddotcom]

Glad you enjoyed.

[@bobmoffatt4133]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@gardeningoutdoors5209]

He reminds me of my welding instructor from college. there was never a dull moment in that mans shop!

[@ctrey8395]

The good old days huh 😂🤣

[@tonnybarajas3969]

perhaps one of the best videos ive seen about this... im leaving after 23 mins... knowing the difference in the rods and how its suposed to look... its superb

[@larryh7760]

My welder training was about 35 years ago. I ended up going right into NDT and QA and never welding again. I'm retired now and dying to relearn for fun. I'm glad I came across this video. I can still hear my instructor Mr. Hinson: "if it doesn't sound like bacon frying you are not doing it right."

[@ronaldwprovo5530]

My welder training was 40 years ago I"m 83 years relearn for fun

[@jeffreyalbin101]

You are a great instructor . Remind me of my high school shop teacher best teacher I ever had and only one ever went to bat for me against administration. God rest him he lived to party to and man could he weld and reach how . Only class I ever got A's in . Went to do some ark welding was like I never had a stinger in my hand in my life 35 years later . You brought me right back around laying down some fine smooth clean beads 6013 made me look good with 20 mins behing scene nobody looking . Nowhere near how Jack had me going when I was all in got really good for a min but enough to raise a few eyebrows . Thank you .

[@tomjeffersonwasright2288]

Great explanation. Now I can try something more than 6011. You also explained why some things went so poorly. Thanks for a great video.

[@makrisj]

I love it when I watch people that enjoy the stuff they do and opt to share it the way they *feel* it not the way is "should be taught". I absorbed everything like a sponge. Even the bleeping part came in when it should: For the operator's protection.

[@vanman724]

“...very quietly run...softly run...” Man, love your colourful descriptions-like welding poetry...damn, I’ve been in quarantine too long..

[@hinesvillebass6742]

Finally started my welding school got under the hood 1st time today. All I gotta say is yalls videos helped me a ton and this is so much fun

[@-NGC-6302-]

Today was my first time stick welding (highschool metals class). When I go back tomorrow I'll be the best stick welder in the class.

[@doughboy5840]

Triamcinolone Acetonide how'd you do?

[@-NGC-6302-]

Well, what I made was hardly recognizable as a weld bead, but for my second time not too bad.

[@culbyj3665]

They need to have more high schools with TECH school classes..

[@tntltl]

Bob is a great instructor I have watched this video at least 5 times!!!

[@PaulJohnsonM]

Hey, I just struck an arc at school for the first time today, and I basically just blew up a bunch of 6011 sticks without depositing anything on the plate. This video has been immensely valuable to me. I appreciate you making it.

[@michaelszczys8316]

6011, some of the messiest welding rod in the world. Get some nice 7014 and make some pretty looking ,civilized welds.

[@keithmcmullin2999]

Bid

[@kevinkenney5228]

This guy is the best instructor I've ever listened to.

[@Godzilla32]

I repair fire sprinkler systems using the 6013 2.5mm electrode. A lot of my repair work requires welding over existing MIG welds. Brilliant video and explanation of the characteristics between each type of electrode.

[@outcast7899]

I'm 62 and have been (farm) welding since 14. Learned on lincoln 225 a/c cracker box with any rod Dad could scrounge up that the flux wasn't falling off. I've used many machines and completed many successful projects since then but still consider mine to be farm welding. I appreciate your vidios and now I know what rod numbers mean and how they effect my welding and what I was doing wrong with my techniques. Thanks to your instructions , this old dog can still learn a new trick, maybe two. Also agree with Ivan Rios, every HS shop (wood shop included) should teach this skill. ☺

[@tntltl]

thank you so much for your time and effort your videos are helping me so much I'm just a hobbyist but watching you I am learning so much.

[@lemix69]

Excellent video, wish I would have watched this before I started welding, I have 6013 at 3/32" and I was trying to whip it and you say right off don't try to whip it, just do a straight drag, I did figure out pretty quickly that a straight drag worked better, but I could have saved myself some headache and a little time had I known from the get go that this rod is straight drag only. Thanks for your time, I learned a lot in a very short time. I now know that I need to get some 6010 or 6011 rods for heavier stuff, thanks again and I'll keep watching. I have no qualms about admitting that I'm new to welding, I'm 63 years old and I've spent the majority of my life in active duty military and as a corrections officer in a maximum security state prison, now that I'm retired, I have a need to do some welding, so I come to KZbin to learn from those who know. Thanks! 🖖😎

[@FloridaSalon]

Wow. This guy just shared a wealth of knowledge with us. His personality and teaching style made this video so enjoyable. I didn't know there was such a thing as a welder groupie until I just became one :)

[@angelreyes4618]

I’m a 14 year old trying to learn to get into welding , and this is an Awesome video very easy to learn from and entertaining 😂

[@dr.feelgood2358]

6011 is the great for rusty and painted material, also very good for tacking. it's pretty good at gouging if you're not careful and it throws a lot of spatter. i keep a file handy when i'm using 7018 as slag forms on the end of the rod, and it doesn't restart easily if you don't knock it off. i use those 2 rods for most stuff.

[@theoriginalmonstermaker]

I'm brand new to welding, and really appreciate that vid. Being at the point where I'm literally trying to figure out what sticks to but to start practicing with, that was exactly what I needed. BUT one additional bit of info that may be helpful to us newbies is what situations would these welds be appropriate. Maybe an example of the type of application you may use them for? But still great stuff! You help alot of ppl! It's a great service to the world you provide!

[@devynncox5970]

Thank you for making this. My grandfather used to stick weld masterfully and I would have loved to learn from him but now that I’m old enough and become interested in learning to weld his eyesight and motor control has deteriorated so much that he can no longer weld :(

[@erwinerwin1245]

The best video I have ever seen on the explanation of the different rods. I am a super beginner and a video like this is a huge help.

[@dustincurtis8090]

This man is the Bob Ross of welding

[@amandahanson8188]

That weld right there is a happy little accident and that weld in the back? That'll be our little secret.

[@stock7628]

"We don’t make mistakes, just happy little accidents.”

[@RonAbernathy27]

I told my sister i learned how to weld from Hank Hill

[@lukepodmore7810]

Miss Bob on the show hes hands down the coolest cat they’ve had on there team

[@drewtonhouse]

My wife just bought me an arc welder for a Christmas present .. I've learned more in 15 minutes watching these videos than I'd ever expect on my own guesswork in a year .. I'm already "stitching and whipping" like a hero ... lol ... superb and informative video .. many thanks for making it

[@DormantIdeasNIQ]

You rock! No frills, no hype, direct, concise...

[@stansbruv3169]

Thank you guys! Excellent demonstrations.

[@IsaacDozier1]

Presentation was a perfect balance of information and personality. Well done.

[@whydahell3816]

Thank you! Im around 3 life long welders that can barely tell me 5 seconds of what you know. 6013and 7018 are my favorites.. They make you look good!!! Lol

[@hanneswiese691]

I am watching your videos as i'll be completing my trade test as a welder in four weeks time thanks your videos are very informative

[@mandogallego6596]

THANK YOU BOB FOR SHARING YOUR EXTENSIVE KNOWLEGE WITH US....."THE COMMON FOLK" YOU HAVE A "RADIO VOICE" THAT IS VERY EASY TO UNDERSTAND. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK ! THANKS Mando

[@kf8575]

Easy om the ear👍

[@tookalook1777]

This is a fantastic help for myself and my two boys learning to be good iron workers (721) Thank you so much. We are tuned in Bud. Cheers!

[@DireWolfForge]

Thank you so much for all of the knowledge that you’ve shared. It is a pleasure listening to you as well as watching you do your thing. True master

[@toniparram3412]

❤thank u guys for these comments, been welding bout 3weeks and the way an instructor explain really does say a lot 🎉

[@ericericson3131]

I was given an old stick welder and am getting ready to play with it. Thanks for the video

[@madladredux2616]

What a great instructor! I like his humor. (Makes a joke but doesn't let it hang). and frank (light cursing, yet bleeped) approach! My 1st welder comes in tomorrow. I'm pretty excited!

[@beckdesignbuild6372]

Fantastic Video! I've been looking for ages for someone to just give a simple and informative demonstration of stick welding techniques. Really appreciate this!

[@Ashin_Kusher716]

Second day of welding 1 tomorrow. Watching these videos in my spare time helps !!

[@martinbachrodt745]

Your help was amazing. You addressed all issues I had questions about. This man is a genius!

[@timsmith5837]

Great job explaining rods. I’m just getting started a little late in life but enjoyed your video. I felt like I was in class. Well done sir

[@rjlee38]

If you're still breathing, it's not too late :~) I'm 59, welded when I was a teen into early 20's, not been back since, now I'm doing it as a hobby, just love it!!!

[@jimyoung6010]

I've been welding for years and wondered why my welds aren't purrdy like your's. (know one's life has been dependent on my welds). You have opened my eyes!! THANK YOU!!!

[@arrionmoreno7357]

I've been mig welding for 6 yrs. Just got a job offer to welding at a salt plant I took it. But stick welding is new to me. Wish me luck.

[@jimtyrrell1]

Thanks Bob. I've been wanting to learn how to weld for many years and your great teaching approach has made it so easy to get started.

[@tonyhoward7662]

Hi my name is Tony Howard I'm an above-the-knee amputee I am now just starting in welding these videos are great thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. Thank you

[@Poormans_tactical]

Bob is hilarious and really informative! He definitely gave me the motivation to get back into welding

[@roofwall1749]

I would like to thank you for creating this very informative and straight to the point video. The brevity is very welcoming.

[@jameswalker8832]

This should be the standard for all welding videos. Thank you for your wisdom sir. Great job. I’m trying to learn all I can before my first project. I’m building seat frames with 14 gauge steel tubing and I’m collecting all the information I can first. I’ve never welded before. This will be my first experience. Looks like 6010 DCEP is the way to go.

[@treystone1993]

This came up on my recommended video list and I was so glad it did. Exceptional straight forward instruction. Thanks👍. Being able to weld opens up some awesome project possibilities.

[@simplyorange8553]

The arc shots are great, helpful to see how far to hold off and what the puddle looks like. I think it would be even more helpful to see a wider angle of what Bob is doing to manipulate the rod and the stinger, what angle he's holding at, how he's moving his arm & body, etc.

[@colinhepworth7920]

A great video! even after 50+ years of 'farmer' type welding with stick or oxy gas I am still learning, I mainly used an AC 180amp welder as that's seemed to be the most popular type then, so DC stick & mig were newish to me, I still find it difficult to weld with gas shielded mig for some reason although flux cored is no problem, go figure! I liked the simple approach you have in the video: These are the popular rods; these are the options for power, this is what the arc looks like and this is what the weld should look like. Because of all the variables, welding is something that you learn yourself as you go. Again, thanks

[@HunterValleyDan]

Great video! The way you explained the process, it was easy to listen and understand. I have a very basic MAW for home use. After watching your video I now know why my welds are terrible! I've got my amps set way too high and I am manipulating the weld using 6013 rods! Thanks to you my welding should improve dramatically! Cheers.

[@LPJMagicmusic]

How are your welds now that youve ajusted?

[@stevesumner6881]

Strait to the point, informative and easy to understand. The quality of the video feed said it all. Great presentation!

[@pwog98]

Love your channel. You do a wonderful job of explaining the aspects of welding to the common farm welder

[@zenjon7892]

I started on MIG for my first job in college. Then I learned TIG for my job now. I decided to learn stick because I had a job come up that I wanted to learn stick because it didn't need TIG. Stick is tough! You can really feel the electrical power you hold in your hand

[@crimsontider7833]

This has been one of the most informative videos I have ever seen . Cannot thank you enough for your professionalism / & attention to detail . Watched several times, taking notes . Wonderful video .

[@markcagle2158]

Very good video. I’m a CWI for a gas company working distribution projects . Most of the welders I have monitored are very good , but there are some that need to go back to school. I have had some welders that have been welding for years and don’t know what the designation on the rods mean . ?? Probably 50% do not know how to read a welding procedure. Knowledge is very important in a trade like this . Keep up the good work .

[@klownskull702]

thank you for this video. I am in school for welding, and have not had the opportunity to see these rods next to each other. it was good.

[@berwidwhitaker2360]

Guys cool... Knows what he's doing

[@vinniecarter7183]

Very good information, I am not a welder I am a Machinist for over 30 years. I recently acquired a Lincoln 225 - S welder and I was told it is basically a flat bench top welder, no vertical or horizontal and definitely not overhead. I was disappointed to hear that, but your video gave me hope that it is more versatile than what I've been told. I just need it to do some personal projects on my property so I will definitely give a try. Thanks again for the video the information was great.

[@colinengelmann6194]

Got the old Stick welder of my Grandpa and startet learning welding. Gonna get a grinder for Christmas.

[@Xtroll1738]

Thos was a good refresher course as it's been 40 years since I learned to weld but most of my welding over them years has been mig welding. Now that I got a all in one machine, I'm getting back into stick welding. Now I just got to do a Tig refresher.

[@JIMHusky]

Every circles you see here it's my heart beat 😅

[@gavinhughes6054]

that's how you tell how close the welder is to dying😹

[@stephanibuelna4386]

JIM Husky my favorite part lol