new to welding...should my welds be red hot?

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I have a 110v lincoln welder and notice when im done welding and lift my helmet, the welds are red hot.  Is this normal?  Does this mean i am running too much power and creating too much heat? Within a few seconds it cools down, so not sure if this is normal. Thanks for your help.Last edited by adamsmith007; 03-06-2010 at 11:45 AM.
Reply:depends really.. if you weld in a dark environment, it can appear that your welds are hotter than they really are.. on the other hand, if you're welding on thin material, you might be too hot..if you're not livin on the edge, you're takin up too much room..
Reply:Think about it, steel melts at about 2,300 deg. F. The arc runs about 7-10,000 deg. F. and the bead + work doesn’t cool instantly so you’ll see some after glow.
Reply:Ok good to know.  Thanks guys.
Reply:Red hot steel is colder than liquid steel.  So you have to go through the 'red-hot' range when welding.  You normally don't see the red as the temp goes up since you have the arc going.  You see red hot as the steel is cooling down.  Totally normal.On aluminum you don't really see red hot.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:this should help.http://www.blksmth.com/heat_colors.htm