Newbie - Stick welding

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I recently bought a 225 amp AC Stick Welder from a Co Worker.  Its a Older Craftsmen welder.  I got a killer deal on it and I have been trying to teach myself how to weld ever sense (about 2 weeks).  I must say there is a lot of great info on this site.  The guy i bought the welder from recommended 6011 rods so that is all I have welded with so far.  Is this one of the easier rods to learn on?I started out by welding random pieces of scrap together.  I won’t post picks of that because it is very ugly.  I then went to Home Depot and bought a 3 foot Section of 2" X 2" angle for a few bucks.  I have been cutting it into 3" sections and welding it together into a Channel.  Here is one of the better ones I have.  This particular picture is a weld at about 115 amps.  Does anyone have any suggestions on technique?  In general how am i doing for only welding for a couple weeks?  Thanks for the feedback.Note: this picture is actually upside down the start of the weld is in the bottom of the picture.
Reply:Looks like you're having fun.  I am assuming that you are using 1/8" 6011 on 2x2x1/8" angle, at least that's what it looks like. 105 amps for that rod on that thickness of material is a bit too hot and your welds look like they reflect that.  Turn your amperage down to 75 or 90 amps. Your rod will start easier on 90 amps but 75 is enough for that thickness of angle. This amperage setting will allow you to stay with the puddle a bit longer and you should be able to see it better and this will allow more consistency when you whip the rod. I know that there are others here that are better welders than I so maybe they will jump in too. Good Luck! You appear to be heading in the right direction.Last edited by goinssr; 09-14-2010 at 09:36 PM.StephenMillermatic 251Miller Syncrowave 200Miller 30A SpoolgunHypertherm Powermax 30Etc., etc., etc.............Cancer Sucks!
Reply:Open the gap up, slow down steady your hand to get consistent, looks like you had about four or five adjustments while welding, and don't forget to breath.
Reply:Thanks for the input guys!  I get back out to the shop soon to burn some more rod.  Everyone agree to stick with the 6011 rod?  I need to go get some more pieces to experiment on as well.