My first welds with a harbor frieght flux core welder

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I picked up a $90 harbor freight flux core welder the other day. I haven't welded before. I did some research before hand and didn't even attempt to use the wire that was included so I bought some lincoln flux core wire. I practiced on some 16 gauge first and it was a little difficult to get the right heat, wire speed and travel with that thin material, I managed to make it work after a couple hours of messing around. Then I tried some 1/8" which this welder is a lot happier to weld.Here's a pic of my first welds on the 1/8", I had the wire speed on 7 instead of 8 like they suggested on the welder for 1/8"The first one I did at the top was way too hot, it was glowing red for 10 seconds after I stopped, So on the second pass I tried to speed up and sucked a little more. Not too bad though I think it's a useful tool.
Reply:You want it to glow hot after you stop. That way you know your getting penetration with the machine. Also look for blue discoloring on the backside of your welds too.
Reply:I have one of those and would love to make those welds. I play with it a while then give up in frustration for a month or so then try again over and over.Last edited by Charliekilo; 03-04-2013 at 09:55 PM.Doing the best I can with what I got
Reply:I like the top one.