Need advice on improving this weld (pics)

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Ok, for those who read my first thread saying I was giving up, I lied. My stubborn side (which borders on mental illness) won out.The project is repair and modification of a boat trailer, made primarily of 13 gauge steel, with some 11 gauge as well.My equipment is a $36.00 used Clarke 95E 110V stick welder rated 30-90 amps AC. "Best" results have been with 5/64 6013 rod at 55-60 amps. My experience level is 3 weeks of spending every daylight hour practicing. My skill level has progressed from dismal to marginal, at best.This project only requires welds of fair quality, since all the welded areas can be mechanically reinforced. This is my "final exam" demonstration weld. I'm not entirely unhappy with the result, my main concern is my cold start. I tried a number of different methods, but I can't find a good way to start a puddle at the beginning of the bead. For some reason, striking an arc has been the biggest challenge, I call it my "accidental arc", and I'm sure it's most of my problem. When I do get an arc started, I'm so suprised, it takes a minute to remember how to run a bead. The cross section photo shows the typical result of an attempted arc start, the protruding steel tip is my trademark. Any comments would be appreciated.
Reply:Clean that metal up. Can't tell if that is red rust as in higher carbon steel or red paint over rust but the first lesson in welding is prep. It's all about prep. That tiny volcano you had there is exactly what it looks like, gases from burning materials coming up.
Reply:Not bad actually - you're off to a good start. Your 5/64" rods are for thin material with 60 amps max. This is why you get little penetration. Although it looks like your technique is good. Try a 3/32" rod for your practice material and between 80 and 90 amps. Otherwise, good job!Oh - and always prep (clean) your material. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by SandyClean that metal up. Can't tell if that is red rust as in higher carbon steel or red paint over rust but the first lesson in welding is prep. It's all about prep. That tiny volcano you had there is exactly what it looks like, gases from burning materials coming up.
Reply:Originally Posted by MicroZoneNot bad actually - you're off to a good start. Your 5/64" rods are for thin material with 60 amps max. This is why you get little penetration. Although it looks like your technique is good. Try a 3/32" rod for your practice material and between 80 and 90 amps. Otherwise, good job!Oh - and always prep (clean) your material.
Reply:Clean metal for both the weld and the ground will make the arc easier to start. 13 ga is do able with 3/32 rod but you'll need to move a lot quicker than you're moving. Once you've practiced 3/332 rods shouldn't be too hard on the 11 ga but you'll still need to move fast. Find some 1/8' metal to comfortable on and then move to the thinner stuff.
Reply:Exactly, move quicker, you're not making love to the metal. John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Yeah, what they said. Just keep practicing.  3/32 should be absolutely no problem down to 16 gauge.  Those small rods tend to be expensive.  If you are burning through 13 gauge the travel speed probably too slow regargless of rod diameter.  I am curious what 80 amps looks like with that 5/64 rod. Increase travel speed and feed rate.  I would try what has been suggested before changing current, though.  Weld look good.  Run some joints.
Reply:Ok, I'll try cleaner, bigger, faster..........and spend more time with the wife?
Reply:so your wife is a weldor widow?  Your bead looks great.  Just more practice.Lets see, used machine, no instructions,  No one to show you how......Pretty darn good!To strike the arc, try striking it like a match.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:Originally Posted by David Rso your wife is a weldor widow?
Reply:Flap disc?  You should at least get in the practice of using a grinding disc, like this: Grind down until you see bright shiny silver metal! John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Originally Posted by MicroZoneFlap disc?  Grind down until you see bright shiny silver metal!
Reply:Nope - remember you're adding material once that rod contacts the metal. Clean is mean.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Once you have the arc started hold it there until you see the puddle form. The top bead second pic wasn't too bad except you started moving befor you had a good puddle. Keep a short arc with these rods. Stop forward motion and make a small circle or 2 before breaking the arc to fill those craters where you ended. Practice moving at a constant speed while mataining a short arc. If you not doing so already use both hands or glide your welding arm on your other arm.
Reply:One observation I made, with the smaller rod, and lower amperage, the puddle was probably half above, half below the surface of the metal. With the larger rod and higher amperage, the puddle was about flush with the surface of the metal, is this what I'm after?