First MIG welds

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Looking for thoughts on my first MIG beads.  Been working (pretty poorly) with an Oxy torch for a few months.  I can get a puddle going and make some welds that have held up to whatever pressure my vice and channel locks could exert.  But I never got the hang of controlling the puddle and using filler at the same time.Bought an Eastman 135 back in December, but finally got around to buying C25 for it.  I know it's not much of a machine, but I think it'll fit my needs pretty well for the time being.  Just trying to learn and pursue some art projects.I'm amazed at how easy it is to lay down a bead, compared to the torch!  Took me a few minutes to get my auto-darkening mask dialed in to where I could actually see what I was doing, but it felt pretty good once I got settled in.Looking for advice on what I might be doing wrong with these welds.  Mild steel, 1/8''.  I did my best to clean off the weld edges with what was left of my flap wheel.  No beveling.  Not sure what it equates to, but Volts were set to G and wire speed was about 6.5.  First weld is about 6'' long, second is a bit under 5''.Center bead is the one I'm looking at.  Stuff to the right was before I remembered I had to adjust the settings Back of same weld...Here's another one.  Again, center is the one I'm interested in.Put that piece in the vise and put a good amount of pressure on it (pushing from the back in order to try and fold over the bead).  Here's the back...-Jeremy
Reply:Doesn't look terrible.  Just keep practicing, practicing, practicing and remember to have fun!!!
Reply:I agree with Murphy. I have been at it for around 10 months now and my beads are much better now.  Keep watching videos and find the manipulation method that works for you.  practice, practice, practice.  As long as it's fun you'll continue to do better. ASyncrowave 210HH140Victor O/A
Reply:Originally Posted by Murphy's lawemember to have fun!!!
Reply:1/8" is pushing the max on that machine. To do it well, you'll need to be on a 20 amp dedicated circuit and not using an extension cord.Having said that, you really don't have the power even under the best conditions to burn completely thru 1/8" in a but joint the way you have it set up. To do so you'll either need to bevel the one side, or gap the pieces.2nd pict the bead looks taller than in pict #1. I'd either decrease your wire speed, or increase your voltage. If you are dragging the bead vs pushing, that will also create a taller bead. Over all for just starting it's not too bad. Just keep practicing..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan