pics of first beads

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learning experience here with posting pics, so bear with me.First pic is at my step-brothers after a five minute lesson. The bead at top of screen is his, dont know the settings but it was a 309 rod. The next little 1.5" bead is mine. The globs of metal you see for the rest of it was my first attempt with 6011.Second pic is with my welder at the house. 1/8 6011 at 95 or 100 amps, strong hand drag.Third pic is at the house again. 1/16 6013 at 45 amps, weak hand push.I know I have a long way to go, but what do you think for 5 minutes instruction and 30 minutes practice? Attached Images
Reply:The bead in the first pic did not tie in with the parent metal - cold lap.  Run slower or hotter.The third pic has better tie in, but the irregular size of the bead is due to poor rhythm.  I will sometimes make a quick practice run with my glove on to make sure I can comfortably move through the bead at a constant pace (more helpful when the fixture or other parts might get in the way).The next step is to be able to get a few beads in a row that have the same dimensions and appearance.  They key is being able to get consistent results and in knowing what the bead will look like before you hit it.I recommend trying some butt joints next - just keep an eye on your travel speed, keep it constant, later you will need to learn to adjust it for changes in the parent such as underlying joints or changes in thickness.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Thanks for the input. In the first pic I have no idea what the settings were. It was a small genny welder and my step-brother set everything up. The other two pics were from my ac stick welder I found on cl. Runs from 35 to 220 (not sure top end). Hopefully I can get some more hood time in this week, haven't been getting home till dark since those first welds.
Reply:You will find that a cheap halogen lamp ($10-$15 at lowes) will let you work in the dark just fine.Hobart LX235Victor 250 Oxy-Acetylene Rig (welding and cutting)Bobcat 773F-350, 1999, 4x4, 16' 10K# trailerOutdoor Wood Burner - 10 cords/year
Reply:Yea, I think a lamp and hd ext  cord are next. Right now I have to drag welder to my power pole to have any fun.
Reply:welcome and keep it up..dont push through slag..if it has slag, drag..6011 needs to be whipped = deposit  some metal and m ove the electrode away for a second or less to allow the deposit to cool(freeze)and then repeat and repeat and repeat...a milestone for beginners is to learn to see the puddle and differentiate it from the slag and the arc...then you watch and fill and move ...
Reply:Originally Posted by M J MauerTomHYou may want to look at deltaschooloftrades.com for basic instructions and cheep way to practice.Regards: M J Mauer, Andover, Ohio
Reply:Originally Posted by weldbeadwelcome and keep it up..dont push through slag..if it has slag, drag..6011 needs to be whipped = deposit  some metal and m ove the electrode away for a second or less to allow the deposit to cool(freeze)and then repeat and repeat and repeat...a milestone for beginners is to learn to see the puddle and differentiate it from the slag and the arc...then you watch and fill and move ...