A method for providing a welding score, comprising determining an initial position of a welding operation, determining a terminal position of the welding operation, determining a welding path between the initial position and the terminal position, and determining the welding score based on the welding path, wherein the welding score takes into account one or both of a time used for welding and a length of the welding path. A system comprising a welding torch, and a computer configured to: determine an initial position of a welding operation, determine a terminal position of the welding operation, determine a welding path between the initial position and the terminal position, determine a welding score, wherein the welding score takes into account a time used for welding and/or a length of the welding path, and comparing the welding score to a score threshold.

A welding apparatus comprising a welding contact tip device configured to receive at least one consumable welding electrode therein, wherein the welding contact tip device includes a first region configured to attach to a welding head and a second region configured to attach to an electrode extension device; and an electrode extension device configured to attach to the welding contact tip device, wherein the electrode extension device includes an upper portion having a predetermined length and a predetermined diameter, wherein the upper portion is configured to create an electrically insulating barrier between the electrode extension device and the welding contact tip device; and a lower portion having a predetermined length, wherein the lower portion is configured to receive at least one consumable welding electrode therein.

Some examples of the present disclosure relate to tracking attachments that allow trackable markers to be easily attached to stick electrodes and/or stick electrode holders, thereby removing the need for costly customized/modified stick electrode holders and/or stick electrodes. In some examples, each tracking attachment includes one or more trackable markers that can be detected and/or tracked by a monitoring system. In some examples, the trackable marker(s) of the tracking attachment facilitate tracking and/or monitoring of welding technique by aiding in the tracking/monitoring of the position(s) and/or orientation(s) of the stick electrode and/or stick electrode holder during welding-type operations.

A tool includes a handle having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the handle includes a first cylindrical cavity extending into the handle from an opening in the distal end and having a first cylindrical wall. The tool further includes a radial bearing having an inner race, an outer race, and rolling elements, wherein the outer race is secured to the first cylindrical wall of the first cylindrical cavity. Still further, the tool includes a central shaft having proximal and distal sections, wherein the proximal section is secured to the inner race, and wherein the distal section extends from the first cylindrical cavity and includes external screw threads. The tool additional includes a chuck threadably coupled to the external screw threads, wherein the chuck includes self-centering jaws for selectively gripping a tungsten electrode along an axis of rotation established by the radial bearing.