How to Stick Weld for Beginners (Start Welding Today)

If you apply the information in this video you will be able to start welding the right way. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to weld, stick welding (SMAW) is one of the best places to start. In this beginner-friendly guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from how stick welding works, to machine setup, to running your first clean weld bead. I’ve been teaching people how to stick weld for almost 15 years, and most beginners struggle with the same things. In this video, I break it down step-by-step so you can avoid common mistakes and start welding with confidence. You’ll learn: How stick welding works (SMAW basics) Welding machine setup (AC vs DC, polarity) Essential safety gear Common electrode types (6010, 6011, 6013, 7018) Amperage settings for beginners Proper welding technique (arc length, angle, travel speed) How to run your first clean bead 👉 Want to go deeper? Check out my full step-by-step stick welding course here: https://sewingwithfirewelding.com/ Time Codes: 00:00 Intro 00:33 What is Stick Welding 01:02 Current Type 02:07 Gear 02:28 Electrodes 03:06 Settings 03:41 Technique 04:50 Outro Stick welding is used everywhere—from construction sites to repair work—and once you understand the fundamentals, it becomes one of the most valuable skills you can have.