Thanks for the advice guys. Don`t have the hot start on my machine. I was told to weld with the coldest possible amps. The electrode is 75-100 so I set it to 75-80. I noticed that after I weld a bit and it turns off, it`s quite east to restrike it if I do it right away, and if it didn`t receive the ...

I might try it, but then I have to order 20 kg, which I`d have no use for.
The only international brand in my are is Kiswel.

Still hoping for a better technique.

The main issue I have now is to start those sun of a gun 7018. They just stick to the metal ! Maybe 75-80 is too cold for them, but I need low A so I won`t damage the bars. And I don`t mean restarting, just starting, even when the inner metal is exposed, it`s just sticks. How do I start them poperly?

this doesen't answer your question but welding on re-bars is frowned in some circles. Which circles? I took a welder's job in a precast concrete plant and we welded miles of the stuff! Don't over think this job. a couple inches of weld at each joint is more than enough to hold them together. Beside...

It`s DC. If I crack it up it burns the metal rod too much.

Hey, I got to get quite good uniform welds with 7018, the problem is HOW TO START THEM ? I don`t mean restarting, I know the head trim trick, I talk about just getting it to start without sticking to the surface, it`s very hard for me, don`t know why. I need to weld overhead, in case it matters. Sug...

Hey guys, I`m totally new to welding. I purchased a 160 stick welder. 1. Now I have to weld construction rods together. The rods are in the ceiling surrounded by concrete, they were cut in the middle. I was instructed to open the concrete about 10-15 cm (4" - 6") on each side and weld a pa...