Stick welding guide: rods, amps and technique

Q: What is the best rod for a beginner?

The E6013: it strikes easily, runs a soft arc, works on AC or DC and the slag lifts off cleanly.

Q: What helmet shade should I use for stick welding?

Shade 10–11 from 60 to 160 A, and shade 12–13 from 160 to 300 A (Table 2.1 of the e-book).

Free guide · The Welder's Forge · updated September 2026

Stick welding is the classic process: a simple machine, no gas cylinder, and it works outdoors, on a job site or out on the farm. Plenty of people start here, and it is still the process of repair work, fabrication and structural steel in the field. In this section you will find the guides to set the machine, choose the rod and fix the most common problems.

Quick answer

To start: E6013 rod, 1/8 in (3.2 mm), 90–110 A, flat position, on 1/4 in (6.4 mm) mild steel plate. Arc length about equal to the rod's core diameter, a 5 to 15 degree drag angle in the direction of travel and a steady travel speed. The rest is practice and reading the bead.

Where to start

Never stick welded? Begin with the step-by-step in how to stick weld: striking the arc, angles, travel speed and the most common mistakes.
Not sure where to set the machine? The stick welding amperage chart gives the starting point by rod size and position.
Torn between two rods? See 6013 vs 7018.
Rod sticking, bead sagging or pinholes in the weld? Each problem has its own guide in the list below, including welding rod sticking to the metal.

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The stick welding bench rule

Rod diameter	Flat position	Vertical / overhead
3/32 in (2.4 mm)	60–90 A	10 to 15% lower
1/8 in (3.2 mm)	90–130 A	10 to 15% lower
5/32 in (4.0 mm)	130–180 A	10 to 15% lower

Table 3.2 of the e-book The Welder's Forge (mild steel). Starting point: confirm with the rod package, the WPS or the machine manual.

When stick welding makes sense

Stick shines on medium and thick plate (over 1/8 in, 3.2 mm), in wind, and wherever hauling a gas cylinder is not practical. On thin auto body sheet and on long production runs, MIG usually does better. To see where each process fits, read the beginner welding guide.

Guides on this topic

Stick welding amperage chart by rod size5/64 to 3/16 in rods, flat and out of position 6013 vs 7018 welding rod: which one to useWhat the numbers mean and when to use each rod Welding rod sticking to the metal: why it happens and how to fix itCurrent, arc strike, work clamp and moisture How to stick weld: beginner steps that workArc, angles, speed and the 7 most common mistakes Vertical stick welding (3G): uphill technique without saggingCurrent 10-15% lower, angle, weave and common mistakes Stick welding polarity: DCEP, DCEN and ACDCEP, DCEN and AC for stick, flux-cored and TIG 7018 rod storage: drying, rod ovens and exposure limitsHolding temperature, portable ovens and exposure time

Frequently asked questions

What is the best rod for a beginner?

The E6013: it strikes easily, runs a soft arc, works on AC or DC and the slag lifts off cleanly.

Can I stick weld at home?

Yes, with an inverter machine that matches your outlet (120 V or 240 V: read the nameplate), good ventilation, a work area clear of flammables and full PPE.

Does stick welding need shielding gas?

No. The flux coating on the rod makes the arc shielding and the slag that covers the bead. That is why it works well outdoors.

What helmet shade should I use for stick welding?

Shade 10–11 from 60 to 160 A, and shade 12–13 from 160 to 300 A (Table 2.1 of the e-book).

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The e-book The Welder's Forge covers stick, MIG/MAG and TIG from the first arc to the shop floor, with reference tables and technical figures, in plain American English.

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