Abstract: A lay down arc welding electrode with improved weld penetration is described. The welding electrode includes a core wire surrounded by flux, a portion of which has been longitudinally removed or has been otherwise made thinner than the flux surrounding the remainder of the arc wire. The direction of arc is adjusted by varying the shapes of core wire and flux. During welding the arc welding electrode rests on a tack weld. This causes directional angle (.alpha.) to the root of the weld to increase and the divergence angle (.beta.) to decrease, resulting in improved penetration of disposed metal. An apparatus is described for continuous lay down arc welding using the described arc welding electrode.