a welding system includes an engine - driven welder generator that produces welding power . a welding torch receives the welding power and applies it to a stick electrode to initiate and maintain a welding arc . a parameter of the welding power , such as voltage , is monitored , such as to determine whether spikes occur during a short time after arc initiation . based upon the monitored parameter , the engine speed is controlled . the engine speed may be increased or maintained at an elevated level if the monitored parameter indicates that particular types of electrode are being used , such as xx10 or cellulose electrodes .