Treat arc length as a control, not a habit
Explain how arc length changes heat, puddle control, spatter, and consistency in a beginner bead.
The move: control arc length as a process variable. Arc length changes what the weld sees. Too long and the arc gets unstable: the bead can flatten or wander, spatter increases, and the heat is harder to place at the joint. Too short and the electrode may stick or push slag ahead of the puddle. The strongest beginner move is to find the smallest stable arc you can maintain for that electrode and position, then watch whether the puddle edges wash into the base metal. Plan Pick one variable. Keep the electrode, amperage, plate, joint, and travel speed as steady…
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