First TIG attempts

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This is my first attempt at TIG welding and I am making new stainless steel grates for my smoker using 3/16" stainless rod.  This is probably not the best project for my first TIG attempt.My machine is a Snap-On MM250SL (that I bought used with a Spooler an TIG torch) and I am using pure Argon gas with a 3/32" tungsten, 2" thoriated , and a #8 cup.  While the welds seem to be holding up well, I could do better, I'm sure.  What would you suggest?  These are pictures of my second grill in progress.  Also, how can I keep the rods from bending with the heat?  There is about a 3/16" bend from center on the first grill I welded from heat stress.Why all the blackness?  I have my gas set at around 15CFH.
Reply:After you break the arc, either by snapping it off or with the pedal, continue providing gas coverage or it will turn black like that because it is still susceptible to atmospheric contaminates. A #8 cup is pretty big so turn up the gas a little. A little gust of air can ruin your coverage fast.Pretty ambitious for a 1st tig project but it will improve your finesse.UA Local 598
Reply:The welds look blurry. Don't think it's your gas. Don't this it's your tungsten. Don't know how to set your welder. But try manual focus on your camera or put the grate on the floor. The area of the rod is to small, but it focused on your 600v heavy duty welding cable quite nicely!Just teasing! Couple runs in the smoker and it'll all be black!200amp Air Liquide MIG, Hypertherm Plasma, Harris torches, Optrel helmet, Makita angle grinders, Pre-China Delta chop saw and belt sander, Miller leathers, shop made jigs etc, North- welders backpack.
Reply:Thanks for the tips.  I will try a smaller cup or turn up the gas and see what that does....and yes, the one I already made has been in the smoker for twelve hours smoking a pork butt for pulled pork and is all black already.  I just want to learn how to make the best welds possible.
Reply:I've got the smaller version of that SnapOn machine the MM140SL.  Its been over a year now, what's your opinion of its TIG abilities?  I'm debating on buying a TIG torch for mine, but I'm concerned about having enough control.
Reply:why all the blackness, indeed... something is very wrong...is the stainless free of grease? how long is your arc length..try for 1/8" ..  are you sitting waiting for the puddle to form? with round to round you should be focusing the arc right where the rods touch, floor the pedal and get a fillerless puddle almost instantly. amps? electrode negative? .