Clean an electrode holder?

[bobwills]

I dont see how you aint getting good connection in there. As long as its seated under the prong thing in there its always held the rod good and got a good connection.

[posixPilot]

I dont see how you aint getting good connection in there.

Well, the "V" shaped piece of brass that holds the bottom of the electrode is covered in brown/black soot, as is the prong that holds it down. Some times I get a good connection, and arc start, but other times I have to stop and reposition the electrode rod. Once I found that I had put the rod too far into the holder, so I was clamping down on the flux, but that was not always the case.

Cheers
Mike