Crud buildup on stinger?

[shortfuse]

I don't weld but a few times a month, but over the past few years I have noticed some residue building up on my stinger jaws. I have always been curious if the crud would tend to reduce the amps delivered to the electrode, making one have to increase the amperage setting on the welder? I'm using an ESAB Miniarc 161 LTS, great little welder for my purposes. I weld mostly 1/4" and thinner plate, some rod and bar mild steel stock as well. From time to time, I take a wire brush to the jaws and clean them off some.

[farmersammm]

The crap that winds up in the grooves on the stinger can eventually make it difficult for it to grasp the rod, and have it stay in the groove in the orientation you want it to be. Use a triangular file, and gently dress the grooves to bring back their depth.

Far as amps goes...….can't really say I've ever seen any difference.