SMAW electrodes, rods, amperage, and technique.
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Learn how to select the right welding electrode by metal, position, current, coating & strength for strong, crack-free welds.
J422 is a Chinese GB/T 5117 rutile (titania) all-position carbon steel electrode, closest to AWS E6013. Here are its specs, amps, polarity and fixes.
Learn the 4 types of welding electrodes — E6010, E6011, E6013 and E7018 — their AWS codes, uses, settings and common mistakes explained simply.
Discover why Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) excels outdoors. Learn about wind resistance, portability, cost, and practical tips for field welding.
A hobbyist bolts a cheap buzzbox to the shop wall, clamps in a fresh 1/8-inch Fleetweld 5P+, cranks the dial to roughly 120 amps,…
7014 welding rod is an all-position iron powder rutile stick electrode for mild steel. Learn its uses, amperage range, and how it compares to…
Heat sticks are the simple temperature tools welders use to confirm preheat and interpass heat. Learn how they work, their limits, and when to…
Welding thin metal? Learn which electrode polarity to use for TIG, MIG, stick and flux-cored, why DCEN and DCEP behave differently, and how to…
Stick welding amps explained: amperage charts by rod size, rules of thumb, polarity, position adjustments and fixes for too-hot or too-cold welds.