Good weld Travel too fast Travel too slow Arc too short Arc too long Amperage too high Amperage too low Examples of Good and Bad Stick Welds 1 /16 " to  1 /8 " arc length 2 0 ° t o 2 5 ° Figure 5-32.  Angle of electrode. Figure 5-31.  Examples of good and bad stick welds.  proportions. The number of beads is determined by the  thickness of the metal being welded. Plates from  1 ⁄ 8 -inch to ¼-inch can be welded in one pass, but  they should be tacked at intervals to keep them aligned. Any  weld on a plate thicker than ¼-inch should have the edges  beveled and multiple passes. The sequence of the bead deposits is determined by the  kind of joint and the position of the metal. All slag must be  removed from each bead before another bead is deposited.  Current values are determined by the electrode size, as well  as the welding position. Electrode size is governed by the  thickness of the metal and the joint preparation. The electrode  type is determined by the welding position. Manufacturers  specify the polarity to be used with each electrode. Arc length  Each time the position of a welded joint or the type of joint  is changed, it may be necessary to change any one or a  combination of the following: Typical multiple-pass groove welding of butt joints is shown  in  Figure 5-34 . Techniques of Position Welding •  Current value • Electrode • Polarity •  Arc length •  Welding technique 1 2 3 Crater Figure 5-33.  Restarting the arc.  5-27