By
eHow Careers & Work Editor
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Step1
Look at the electrode to see the size. The size of the electrode will determine the distance you will hold the electrode from the metal.
Step2
Hold the electrode 1/8-inch from the metal if it is 1/8-inch thick. The arc length will vary according to the thickness of your electrode.
Step3
Remember that your electrode gets shorter as you weld. You will constantly have to control the arc length as you're welding by making sure the electrode is always the proper distance from the base metal.
Step4
Control the arc length by making sure that the electrode is not too close to the base metal. If the electrode is too close or the arc length too short, the weld will be bad.
Step5
Keep the arc length from getting too long to ensure a good weld.
Step6
Stay aware of your arc length. This is key in making sure you have a good, strong weld. You must always be in control of the arc length, and adjusting your electrode constantly while your welding progresses.