Welding Tips and Tricks

OK so I'm a newbie and have a couple different machines to include the Amico 160 dc machine. I cant get the electrode started (6011)... I have a piece of 1/8 steel plate to practice with as well as 1/8 square tubing and they have about 200 arc strikes lol. I have a fair amount of mechanical skills (i.e. mechanically inclined) and build custom knives as a side gig. I am a hobbyist for now... but Im ate up with it. I will take any advice for striking an arc......

What size 6011? What amperage? What settings?

Are you on DC+ (electrode holder in the + and work clamp in the -)

Picture of the front of the machine?

whats it like with other electrodes like 6013 or 7018 ?