coming out of the closet (with my stick welds)

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Ok so after a fair amount of stick practice I'm willing to post some pics. You wouldn't want to see my first beads, believe me.This is 1/8" steel, 1/8" 6013, DCEP around 70 to 90 amps. The 'maybe_cold' photo was at 70 amps, I think, and the bead was sticking up quite a bit. The others were at 80 or 90.So any hope for me?? I also have some 6011 rods, boy oh boy do I prefer the 6013 ones. - JohnLast edited by MicroZone; 06-23-2007 at 01:15 AM.
Reply:Looks pretty good.I run 3/32 at 80 amps I do lots of 16g steel.  90 is at the low end for 1/8".
Reply:Ok, good to know, I'll try upping the current a little bit next time. Fun stuff, definitely a learning curve !- John
Reply:Try going up to 120 amps or so, generaly I take the thickness of metal and move the decimal 3 places to the right and there's my amperage. 1/8" is .120, so I use 120 amps, 3/16" is .188 and I use 188 amps. I vary those numbers slightly depending on the position I'm welding in, but as a baseline it has yet to fail me.Your welds do look pretty good, a few inconcistant spots here and there, but you're on the right track for sure.
Reply:looking good,120 amps is about right but may be a little too hot for the gauge of metal your welding.the important thing is your enjoying it,you will get better and better keep at it john.can i ask the name of the rod?
Reply:Nice going so far, you've got some nice even beads starting to show up. Maybe up the heat some and try some more.Latest Toys Miller 180 Mig and Elite Mask!!Wright Welder 225ACShop OutFitters 20/20 Bending SystemHypertherm 380 Plasma30 Years of Sparking (Electrical & Welding)
Reply:The rods are 'forney', which I bought from the local hardware store. A little 2-pound box, boy you can blaze through these things in a hurry.I'll have to do some more practice today. I'm excited to be finally getting some decent results. I have no reason to stick weld, other than I enjoy learning a new skill.Thanks for the feedback,John
Reply:Try playing with the bead appearance as well.  Throw a very slight oscillation into the mix, and see what it does for you.
Reply:try to practise with grooves. try root, fill and cap... then on diff. position flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead. it will be a good practise to hone your skills...
Reply:Looking like a good start.  Try DC Negative electrode too.  That is how I run 6013.Steady as she goes.......David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:looks like ya got a good steady hand there , just keep playing and trying different amps and angles , thats how i learnt