I had the same problems, I found my issue was using steel that was to thin. Once I stepped up to 1/4 in striking a arc became much easier. I’m not sure why, but it worked for me.
B


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Thanks I’ll give it try when I’m settled. We’re having to live in our motorhome at the moment. The house got burnt in the Carr Fire. Fortunately my workshop was spared but the only power we have is from a small generator at the moment!


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Thanks for the replies. I think I’ve resolved my problem. Today I went and purchased some quality 6013 3/32 rods and they work a treat, I suspect the HF ones are not so good. Anyway , I can strike a arc with them pretty reliably , also unlike my HF 6011 and 7018 I can stretch the arc length to at le...

Good chance your welder will not run 6010 at all - some 7018 especially the cheap stuff found in big box stores can be a PITA so maybe if your starting out try 7014 or 6013 till you get the hang of it or get some decent brand rod - I believe your welder is dual voltage ? if so are you running on 11...

I’m very new to stick welding, I’m ok with MIG, the problem is that I can’t strike a arc, I constantly weld the rod to my practice work. I have a OmniPro 2200 and I’m tying to use either 6010 or 7018 both 3/32. My metal is 10 gauge mild steel. I watched many videos but not being able to strike a arc...