How to strike an arc, the only three ways you can do it.
There are three ways how to strike an arc.
1. Flick up from an edge
2. Strike like a match/ scratch it
3. Tap it straight down, then back up
Hold the rod as straight up as possible.
One of the mistakes people make when arc welding is not holding the rod at the right angle. For now hold it
straight up, ie 90deg.
You should actually hold the rod between 0 and 16 degrees, with the rod leaning towards the direction of travel.
I say keep it straight up as you will always as a learner drop your arm, which will change the angle of the
rod.
How do I know? I do it all the time.
Watch this video below showing the three ways to strike an arc.
3 Ways I Strike An Arc
Okay so that's the three different ways I strike an arc when I am arc welding. Now I will
show you those same three techniques in the below video, this time with the power to the welder turned
on.
If the welding rod sticks, wiggle it off. If you can't. Disconnect the holder (stinger) from the rod.