by willie
(mabank, tx)
You dont always have to strike or peck to get you arc going again. While your welding, and about to run out of rod, whip the rod back into the weld pool bfore you lift off. (this wont leave a crator) When your getting a new rod, start about an 1/8" inside your crator. (where you left off) Just get close enough for the arc to start, and go with the constant speed you had before. An old timer showed me this trick, and its helped improve my welding, an impress alot of people.
They didn't think somebody as young as me knew the things i know. Always ask a veteran welder. They will show you things you never thought of!