Welds with and without filler?

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Hey, I am practicing tig welding on some .065(16ga) 304 ss and I have some questions.   I know pictures speak louder than words here so Ill link my online album so yahll can look.  The latest welds are the ones with todays date in the name, for example: 5-08-07 xxx.  Although before I do let me warn you I haven't quite figured out how to take a non blurry picture yet lol.  http://new.photos.yahoo.com/crusader_99x/When i weld without using filler I think it comes out looking better/more consistent.  Although when I weld using filler rod I haven't been able to get as consistent results.  I am using 1/16th inch 308 filler rod, same diameter red tungsten, and #5 cup.  Is it just a matter of practice makes perfect?  Thanks B Riley Cook
Reply:If I was doing a set of Stainless headers Thats how I'd do it..Its called "fusing"Stainless is easy to do..Not recomended for steel and aluminum... ...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Thanks for the quick reply.  So as long as theres no big gap between the pieces of ss getting joined its fine to just fuse them together like that?  Also will back purging the inside of the pipe help with the black stuff that forms on the other side of the weld?  Can I use C25 mix for the back purge gas or do I need to use argon?
Reply:Back purging works great..If you dont have the gear for the extra delivery system..You can take the tungestion out and fill the inside of the tube by capping the bottom and turning the post purge way up and fill the chamber with the torch head...Have a cap ready for the top also..Argon is the best..And so does cleaning the inside of the tube as much as the outside..The better the fit the easier it is..Gaps will require filler here and there..But if the fit is good from the start..OOOOOhhhhhh thats nice!!!...zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:When fusing some sch 10 ss weld ells, is it best to not bevel the mating edges to maintain an even amount of material as it is fused?
Reply:Originally Posted by 89coltgtWhen fusing some sch 10 ss weld ells, is it best to not bevel the mating edges to maintain an even amount of material as it is fused?
Reply:The thing I don't like about fusion is that a, you're drawing all the alloys of the material into the welded area, which can drastically change the chemical composition, and b, it reduces the wall thickness.I like to use smaller than 1/16th with stainless filler whenever possible, because stainless holds the heat in that area to a much greater extent.  Because of its heat properties, the filler doesn't like to flow out as nicely as with mild steel or aluminum.  What I usually do if it's hanging up on me, is to slightly swirl the pool before moving for the next dab.  This forces the filler to go where you want it to, instead of relying on tension to carry it over there.