Second project in progress / need advice

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My second project is underway (welder cart). It may sound weird – but with projects like this I usually design them in my head, start measuring, cutting and welding. I’m bad about not drawing out a plan. I will post pictures of it when complete – I think it will look good – I know it looks fantastic in my head!!!Anyway – I am hoping to get your opinions on my welding. As I said in my first post – I am a VERY amateur welder with a desire to learn. I made these welds with a mig using straight CO2 (next tank exchange I hope to try an argon/CO2 mix). I also did not clean the welds yet so you could see what appears to be a little slag at the base of the welds. Is a little slag normal or should I turn up the CO2 some more? Current setting is about 20ctf and I am using .024 wire.Please don’t pull any punches – I appreciate your honesty.Mark Attached Images
Reply:I was wondering about the slag, but then I think I saw what you were talking about.  Spatter, not slag.  Actually, that's hardly enough to worry about, and you'll probably not notice a significant difference with an argon mix.For this kind of work I much prefer straight CO2.  It's cheaper and lasts much longer.
Reply:I think it looks fine for what you are doing and for your experience level. That cart will probably outlast the user. I want to see the finished pictures! I have been in need of two carts and have been to lazy to get out there and build them.Lincoln Power Mig 210MP MIGLincoln Power Mig 350MP - MIG and Push-PullLincoln TIG 300-300Lincoln Hobby-Weld 110v  Thanks JLAMESCK TIG TORCH, gas diffuser, pyrex cupThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 101My brain
Reply:looks good..overkill comes to mind..not that i'm busting or anything but your looking for all opinions...i admire your ambition though..in the field your a keeper and thats a good thing ...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:Looks good.  I'm looking forward to seeing it completed.Lighten up on the grinding.  If you must have it clean then use a wire brush attached to your grinder.Try a flap disc or other sanding disc, go easy still.  Try not to change the shape of the metal.I don't think new thin gauge tubing has much if any scale, just oily. I deal with it daily and never grind prior to welding.  Save preweld grinding for more critical  stuff.Good work and welds look good.Last edited by tapwelder; 04-28-2006 at 12:12 AM.