Any flux-core practice exercises?

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I’m just learning to weld and self-teaching. I work outside on a patio that’s open on two sides and using flux-core. I try to get in 20-30 minutes every day or so, and seem to be able to consistently get good sound, penetration (over-penetration on thin metals – 20 gauge, working on that), getting better at seeing the puddle and the lines I’m trying to weld, and my welds should hold under torture testing. Yea!  Since I have no projects planned, what I’ve been doing is either welding random shapes together or just running a few bead lines to work on my technique. I need more control (even two handed) to get straighter lines as they tend to wander. Sometimes the lines look pretty nice (after I wire brush them, of course) and have almost a stacked dime look (more like someone tripped over them but getting there). Other times it’s like it was my first time welding, I was half asleep, over-medicated, drunk and hungover.  Any suggestions on exercises to; 1. Improve the straightness of the lines when I'm just free-form making beads, and 2. Get prettier looking welds?I plan to stay with flux-core until I can enclose the patio, it was darn windy today. Plus, moving all the gear from inside to outside to weld and then back is enough of a hassle without a bottle. So, please, don’t to tell me to switch to gas. Thanks.Warning: I have been wrong before!New small workshop, small MIG, oxyacetylene set with a DHC-2000 that I'm learning to use and really like. Life is good!Typos are there for those that look for them. I try to do something for everybody.
Reply:there's no real "excercises" to do...just a little common sence goes a long way..straight line?find something to rest your hand / arm against that runs paralell to what your doing...follow it feel it and go straight...up...down..forward..backward..around in circles...it dont matter.."freehanding" is not easy..you need to be comfortable...go thru a "dry run" with the gun in your hand...see if you can go from a to b without anything in the way..practice practice practice..its how you get good at anything.. ...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:A technique I use... ( granted...may not be proper... ) is with a GLOVED hand, hold the nozzle,  use your other hand to run the trigger.  Yes... this does get a little toasty, but great for control.I chase the puddle with the hand right down on the nozzle ( almost like shielding a match from the wind while lighting a cigarette. )Like a bunch of people say, get comfy.
Reply:Originally Posted by slamdvwA technique I use... ( granted...may not be proper... ) is with a GLOVED hand, hold the nozzle,  use your other hand to run the trigger.  Yes... this does get a little toasty, but great for control.I chase the puddle with the hand right down on the nozzle ( almost like shielding a match from the wind while lighting a cigarette. )Like a bunch of people say, get comfy.
Reply:Vertical fillets are a good practice .As your not moving quickly It helps you learn to look in front and behind at the same time .Its also good for torch control and recognizing inclusions
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterstraight line? find something to rest your hand / arm against that runs paralell to what your doing...follow it feel it and go straight...
Reply:Originally Posted by slamdvwA technique I use... ( granted...may not be proper... ) is with a GLOVED hand, hold the nozzle,  use your other hand to run the trigger.  Yes... this does get a little toasty, but great for control.I chase the puddle with the hand right down on the nozzle ( almost like shielding a match from the wind while lighting a cigarette. )Like a bunch of people say, get comfy.
Reply:make a line whit soap stone, and weld over it.
Reply:Originally Posted by elvergonJust when you´re ready with the straight line try going vertical, or inclined...not just horizontal...be sure to get some nice pics for us to see...
Reply:Originally Posted by lil johnmake a line whit soap stone, and weld over it.