{"id":50,"date":"2026-03-26T00:42:14","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T00:42:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/?p=50"},"modified":"2026-03-26T00:42:14","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T00:42:14","slug":"vertical-up-stick-welding-settings-best-settings-fixes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/?p=50","title":{"rendered":"Vertical Up Stick Welding Settings (Best Settings &amp; Fixes)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Quick Answer:<\/strong><br>For <strong>vertical up stick welding<\/strong>, the best settings are typically:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Electrode:<\/strong> 7018 or 6010<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Amperage for 7018 (1\/8&#8243;)<\/strong>: <strong>90\u2013110 amps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Amperage for 6010 (1\/8&#8243;)<\/strong>: <strong>75\u201395 amps<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Polarity:<\/strong> <strong>DCEP (reverse polarity)<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Technique:<\/strong> Tight arc, slight weave, pause at the sides<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If your vertical welds look messy, sagging, or full of undercut, it\u2019s usually because of <strong>too much heat, too long of an arc, or welding too fast<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"704\" src=\"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-welding-9370143-1024x704.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-51\" srcset=\"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-welding-9370143-1024x704.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-welding-9370143-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-welding-9370143-768x528.jpg 768w, https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-welding-9370143-1536x1055.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/theotherkev-welding-9370143-2048x1407.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Best Vertical Up Stick Welding Settings (Explained)<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Electrode Choice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>7018<\/strong>: Clean, strong, smooth\u2014ideal for structural work.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>6010\/6011<\/strong>: Great for penetrating dirty or rusty steel.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Amperage Settings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For 1\/8&#8243; Rods (most common for vertical)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>7018:<\/strong> 90\u2013110 amps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>6010:<\/strong> 75\u201395 amps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>6011:<\/strong> 80\u2013100 amps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For 3\/32&#8243; Rods (when you need tighter control):<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>7018:<\/strong> 70\u201390 amps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>6010:<\/strong> 60\u201385 amps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Polarity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>DCEP (reverse polarity)<\/strong> for almost all vertical up stick welding.<br>This gives a hotter arc and better penetration.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Travel Speed<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Slow and steady.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pause slightly at the sides to build the shelf and fill edges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Weave Pattern<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For vertical up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Small upside-down \u201cV\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Triangle pattern<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or tiny Z weave<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The key: <strong>Keep the puddle controlled, not running downhill.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Vertical Up Stick Weld (Step-by-Step)<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 1: Set Your Machine<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Choose <strong>DCEP<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set amps based on rod size (start low, bump up slowly)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 2: Prep the Metal<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Grind clean to shiny metal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Remove paint, rust, oil, and mill scale<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bevel edges for thick steel (\u00bc\u201d or more)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 3: Strike and Control Your Arc<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use a short arc\u2014about the thickness of the flux<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lean the rod upward around <strong>5\u201315\u00b0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 4: Build a Shelf<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Every few seconds, pause at the side to build a shelf of molten metal.<br>This shelf supports the puddle on the way up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 5: Use a Tight Weave<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For 7018, a small weave works best:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Move up slightly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pause on the right<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Move up<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pause on the left<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This prevents undercut and sagging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Step 6: Watch the Puddle, Not the Arc<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You want the puddle to freeze as you move up.<br>If it\u2019s running downhill, you\u2019re too hot or weaving too wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common Mistakes in Vertical Up Stick Welding<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Running Too Hot<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Causes sagging, dripping, or undercut<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Solution: Drop amps 5\u201310 at a time<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Weaving Too Wide<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A wide weave makes the puddle uncontrollable.<br>Stick with <strong>\u00bc\u201d\u2013\u215c\u201d wide<\/strong>, max.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Long Arc Length<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Causes spatter and porosity<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Makes the weld too hot<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep arc tight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Moving Too Fast<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical up is slower than flat.<br>Rushing leads to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Lack of fusion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cold lap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ugly bead shape<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Not Pausing on the Sides<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Without pauses, the weld edges become undercut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tools You Need for Vertical Up Stick Welding<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stick welder (capable of DCEP)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>7018 or 6010 rods<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Angle grinder<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wire brush \/ chipping hammer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Welding hood with good visibility<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gloves, jacket, boots<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clamps for positioning metal<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Welding table or stand<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQ \u2014 Vertical Up Stick Welding<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is the best rod for vertical up?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7018<\/strong> for clean, structural steel.<br><strong>6010<\/strong> for dirty or rusty metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why is my vertical weld sagging?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Your settings are too hot, or you\u2019re not pausing long enough on the sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should I push or pull?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For vertical up, you <strong>push upward<\/strong>, leading the puddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can beginners weld vertical up?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes\u2014start with 3\/32&#8243; 7018 because it gives you more control.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why does 7018 keep sticking on vertical welds?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Usually too cold or holding too long an arc.<br>Increase amps by 5\u201310 and hold a tighter arc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p>Vertical up welding is one of the hardest stick welding positions, but with <strong>proper settings, tight control, and the right weave<\/strong>, your beads will come out strong and clean. Start with the recommended amperage, adjust slowly, and focus on controlling the molten puddle\u2014not rushing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want, I can write more welding articles or help build your welding-focused website content.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Quick Answer:For vertical up stick welding, the best settings are typically: If your vertical welds look messy, sagging, or full [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-50","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-stick-welding"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=50"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52,"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/50\/revisions\/52"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=50"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=50"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beginnerweldertips.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=50"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}