First time welding advice

[Spark_runner]

Very useful tutorial. I now also see another mistake. As at some points I was welding over slag.

 

[Erie Fred]

With some rod (7014) that weld could be done without a helmet.
I have done it.
Lay it in the corner between the nut & the plate, and push it in.

I have not tried it with 6013, however I'm sure some one else here can help
you with the 6013.

The main problem I am seeing is that your not seeing.

 

[tigdlo]

With some rod (7014) that weld could be done without a helmet.

yeah, but don't.....

 

[Erie Fred]

Done it many times sir.
I was proving a point that the weld joint in question is very easy to make, once you have learned.
I'm not suggesting the OP try it no helmet at this point.

Op needs above all, to practice on some scrap as mentioned above.
Need to learn how to crawl before walking before running.

 

[Erie Fred]

I don't see the OP mentioning what arc length they are trying to hold.
It looks to me as if they are not pushing that rod into the corner like they should.

 

[chrismac]

I don't see the OP mentioning what arc length they are trying to hold.
It looks to me as if they are not pushing that rod into the corner like they should.

after having another closer look at one of the first pictures, I agree, the weld is not even trying to make contact with the nut under the clamp, so its not angle (unless the angle is way out) or amps causing this, its just poor technique unfortunately, the later welds are improving though,

 

[Erie Fred]

after having another closer look at one of the first pictures, I agree, the weld is not even trying to make contact with the nut under the clamp, so its not angle (unless the angle is way out) or amps causing this, its just poor technique unfortunately, the later welds are improving though,

What is you arc length ?

 

[chrismac]

What is you arc length ?

7018's contact, 6013's small rods 2.5mm approx less than 1/4" enough to see the metal blow on for the want of a better description, 3.2 & 4mm's probably a bit tighter. dont use them much now to be honest.

 

[Erie Fred]

7018's contact, 6013's small rods 2.5mm approx less than 1/4" enough to see the metal blow on for the want of a better description, 3.2 & 4mm's probably a bit tighter. dont use them much now to be honest.

I'm sorry, I meant the OP to answer how long of an arc are they holding.
The pix look a mess, like a very long arc is being held.

I agree with your recommendations, I recall my teacher walking by as we welded test pieces, and hollering, "tighten up the arc", as many newbie hold too long of an arc.

 

[Spark_runner]

Thank you very much for the all the words of advice! It must have been the ark lenght! When I think about how I started this weld. I was doing movements - base to nut and back while moving forward. I was thinking it will fill the gap, but with this movement the rod end was always too far from the joint only touching the base and nut. Bingo.

 

[Spark_runner]

It ended up as feet to my worktable