>What do "fill-freeze" & "fast-freeze" mean (it sounds like the former >are better at filling the "V" b/f hardening)? Fast-freeze electrodes are a family of electrodes including xx10 and xx11 series, so 6010, 6011, 8010, etc. are all fast-freeze. They're called fast-freeze because the puddle sets so quickly, and there isn't a fluid flux to worry about. Convenient for overhead and out-of-position work. The drawback is the low deposition rate - takes forever to fill a groove. This is the only family that can't normally be dragged. Fast-fill electrodes can only be used on the flat because they are so fluid - they will run all over the place if you try to use them horizontally, for instance. This family includes 7024 and 6027 electrodes. Fill-freeze electrodes are kind of the middle road between the above two. This large family includes the xx12, xx13, and xx14 series. So 6013, 7014, and 6012 are all members. They have a much faster deposition rate than a same-size fast-freeze, particularly the 7014 which has iron powder in the flux to increase metal deposition. The flux is a lot runnier and far more 'apparent' than with the fast-freeze group, but it freezes fast enough that it can be used for out-of-position work. The low-hydrogen group is the 7018 electrode variants. They behave quite similarly to the fill-freeze group. >If you're just dragging the flux, is that necessarily bad (it sounds >like you may get flux between the fill and the work)?? The flux is ahead of the puddle, so it's not a problem. The flux forms a 'tube' for the metal to pour out. >Are rods such as 7014s actually meant to be dragged, at least under >some circumstances? Yes. >Would I be better off (for hobby welding of mild steel, usually 1/4 to >5/16") going with another type of "non-drag" rod.? 7014 is a good rod for beginners. I have found recently that in the smaller sizes (3/32 and smaller) that they don't work welll with AC. I'm not sure why. 1/8" works much better. I use mostly 6013 myself because I like to keep the door open for thinner work. I'd rather use a 1/8" 6013 at 50A of DC than a 3/32" 7014 at the same amperage. >What benefits derive from "finessing" the bead? Better appearance, and in some cases a better 'toe' to the weld - lower profile. -- the rule of thumb isif you have slag u drag.. any welding consumable that produces slag is recommended to be used in the drag tech. ex: stick electrode, flux cored wire, inershield wire... all slagless consumables are recommended to be used in a push tech.. although reccomended this way it is not critical to produce a succsessful weld. factors that help determine the tech used is usally related to bead shape and profile.. the reccomended techniques are moreuser friendly to the welder