Feed Back Reques: TIG Practice Beads

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Hi, I am currently learning how to TIG and would appreciate feedback on my practice beads.Welder: Lincoln Precision TIG 225torch: PTA-17Gas: Argon 15 CFMFiller: 1/16" ER308LTungsten: 1/16" 2% thorCup: #5I have numbered each with a sharpie so you can let me know what you see in each bead and what I need to change/adjust.In the upper right of the pic below you will see the beads with no filler, those don't have numbers.For these I tried to do some lap joints and butt joints.  It may be a little hard to see, 10-13 are butt joints, 14-17 are lap joints.  I tried my hand at some T joints but I am still trying to find a comfortable position for my head and hands so I won't post those just yet since they were really bad.  You can see how bad in the upper right of the pic below.I only get to practice around once per week and I go through a progression of no filler-> filler on 16 gauge sheet -> filler on lap joints -> filler on butt joints -> filler on T jointsThings I am having trouble with:- I am running between 50-75 amps and I feel like the torch gets hot pretty quickly.  Am I doing something wrong or is this just how an air cooled torch works?- As I mentioned, I am having issues finding a comfortable position for T joints.  Usually either my hand/torch is in the way so I can't see the puddle or my head/lid is in the way so I have to hold the filler rod too far away and I get shaky hand.Any feedback is appreciated.
Reply:Got any pics of the back? You can tell a lot by looking at the back side, in my opinion those aren't too bad for a beginner! Looks like you might have a little much heat or your moving a little slow. Also thicker material is much easier to work with when learning the basics, you can go slower and have time to see what your doing right and wrong.What machine are you using, regulator cfm, tungsten size, filler size? Personally I would run a .040 thoriated or lanthinated tungsten with the same size filler around 40-50 amps and about 18cfm on the regulator, and a 35-45 degree angle on the tungsten with a small flat spot at the end.air cooled torches get very hot very quick, I keep a fan in front of my torch holder to cool it down between welds!Hope this helps a little.. I'm sure there's more advice to come!With a little practice you'll be fine!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:Hey Dan, got a pic of your air cooled torch "cooler"?And yes a bit to much heat on the input,  I think.Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler
Reply:It's just a little clip on fan that I put on the edge on my table or wherever else I'm working. If I remember I'll try to get a pic for you!Real welders know how to penetrate!(Equipment)Whatever can be used to beat my opponent into submission!
Reply:Thanks Regards,RobGreat Basin WeldingInstagramBlue weldersRed weldersMy luscious Table DIY TIG Torch cooler