Master the AG Mechanics CDE 2025 – Rev Up and Rule the Field!

When stick welding, holding the electrode too close to the workpiece can result in the electrode sticking to the metal or the workpiece surface. This creates a short circuit, causing the arc noise to increase significantly. The increased arc noise is an indication that the electrode is too close to the workpiece, resulting in an improper welding technique. This excessive arc noise can lead to splattering and poor weld quality. Therefore, the correct answer is A.

Options B, C, and D are not characteristics of holding the electrode too close to the workpiece. Option B, where the arc wants to extinguish, typically happens when the electrode is too far from the workpiece or when there is improper amperage setting. Option C, where the bead becomes uneven, is often a result of inconsistent travel speed or incorrect angle of the electrode. Option D, where slag forms too quickly, might occur due to high amperage settings or improper welding technique, rather than holding the electrode too close to the workpiece.