I was running rod before there was wire……
Both 6011 & 6011 need to be whipped, I call it oscillation.
This is done by moving out of your molten puddle the width of your welding rod then back up into it connecting your white metal (puddle) then move out again same distance (rod width). This is what gives the bead what is referred to a stacked coin appearance. It takes time to develop & maintain this rhythm. This movement is much more precise with stick welding then wire feed, wire feed is much more forgiving.
As pointed out earlier 6010 & 6011 both have a cellulose flux, and therefore draw moister giving the rod a shelf life. If you are just starting to play around with stick make sure rod is fresh (buy small amounts) after your familiar with running stick you will have a feel for running “wet rod”. And yes I have both of these rod’s in water (not under water, but in water)
Do not overlook YOUTUBE for tutorial lesions, there are many out there to choose from so good & some not so good.
Now go burn some rod
