Patent ID: 8354615

Claim:
A finite length welding electrode for shielded metal arc welding with improved arc striking capabilities while minimizing said electrode sticking to a weldment during arc initiation through at least a higher current density for starting the welding arc for the welding of high tensile strength weldments, comprising: an electrode core comprising an electrode core body having a diameter D and an electrode core tip having a diameter D 1 ; a low-hydrogen electrode coating adhered to the electrode core body; and, wherein the electrode core tip narrows from the diameter D to a smaller diameter D 1 , and further wherein the electrode core tip is substantially centered about a centerline axis of the electrode core body, and wherein the electrode core tip tapers at a substantially constant slope with respect to the centerline axis of the electrode core body, said electrode core tip taper coated with an electrically conductive substance comprising at least one of a silicate or graphite, and a face of the electrode core is substantially planar.