New to welding

[Shield Arc]

So this looks good enough to progress forward to that?

YES!
I don't believe in pad welding a lot. Lap welds, and fillet welds, then maybe later V-groove welds will teach you more about welding.

 

[BMan2005]

Ok cool! I have alot of 5/16 or 3/8 flat stock that was given to me and what I've been using so far. Can I use that instead of 1/4" for now since it's free and on hand?

 

[Shield Arc]

Can I use that instead of 1/4" for now since it's free and on hand?

You bet! Hard to beat free!

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

How do these look? 6011 75 amps running the full rod, so I had several stop/starts. Criticism welcome on anything

Nicely done - excellent practicing

When students get that far they are definitely moved on to lap welds and fillet welds.

 

[4570Man]

When doing a vertical weld are you supposed to start at the top or bottom? My success rate is way better running top to bottom but I was pretty sure that's wrong.

 

[BMan2005]

Did my first repair last night on my utility trailer. Three places were cracked or completely broken. Most everything was flat position, but with the welds curving or cornering on two of the repairs it felt completely foreign changing my weld in flight. They will hold I believe, but didn't feel comfortable or as nice as I want them to be. So yeah, as I knew already lots more practice needed before I tackle other stuff. Just sharing

 

[MinnesotaDaveChalmers]

When doing a vertical weld are you supposed to start at the top or bottom? My success rate is way better running top to bottom but I was pretty sure that's wrong.

Depends on the rod and what you're trying to do.
6010, 6011, 6013, 7014 all run pretty well vertical down.
7018 vertical up.

I run vertical down on thin material (under 1/4") if I'm using stick pretty often.

Even on thicker material I'll run first pass down if there's a gap, or it's hard to reach, or I'm uncomfortable and can't see good, etc.

6010 and 6011 are great for this
Run in the upper amp ranges for the rod, point the rod up far enough to keep slag at bay.

 

[BMan2005]

I had enough time to get 6 lap welds for practice tonight. This was the last 3, and better than the first. Not near as easy as flat on a piece of metal. School me!

 

[Shield Arc]

Not bad at all. It will take some time to get the perfect stack of dimes.
Little trick for you. When you get ready to stop, back up just a touch, and push the rod into the puddle some. This will help fill in the crater. An under filled crater is where a crack will start.

 

[Big Barn]

I think I need to download the Shield Arc "app".