Years ago I was welding pipe, and I was bragging to my welders helper that I could weld two tin cans together with my stick welder. Though I had never tried it. The next day he shows up with two tin cans. I welded them together with a very pretty bead. So it can be done. The guys are correct about rod, 1/8 inch 6013, what we used to call "farmer rod", or 6011 is a good place to start. Stick takes a more steady hand, and more eye hand coordination. Good vision is must, so you can see what is going on. Mig welders were only used in factories before the mid 70s, so almost everything before that was arc welded. Arc welding is still used in pipline, and structural work today, so there is nothing wrong with it. it wll tke much more practice to master than mig welding, but it is a wonderful skill. As you learn I will b glad to help with questions.