Holding the welding mask close-up to the face, give a short stroke with the electrode on the workpiece. As soon as the arc is primed, withdraw the electrode from the workpiece to leave a tiny gap of around 1.5mm (1/16"). The current will flow across the gap with a crackling noise and brilliant arc. Continue to weld in one direction, maintaining the small gap as you go. At the end of the run just withdraw the electrode fully from the workpiece