New welder, gotta learn how to weld

I bought a new Harbor Freight welder yesterday and got the 240v wired in today. So I got to play a little. Here are pictures of my first beads ever! Ugly as sin, but they are the first steps in being able build some of my own trail armor.

All you experienced welders feel free to tell me just how bad these welds are, as long as you follow it up with how to fix it.


My first three attempts all running into each other.

Attempt number four is prettier, but I don't know how to know for sure how well it is penetrating.


By the way, all ye neigh-sayers about the Chicago Electric welders, it will blow a hole straight through 1/4" plate. It just did it (oops).

 

No gas? I wouldnt use it.

 

i know the local trade high school near me offers night classes. you may want to look into that

 

It is capable of gas, but I haven't bought any of the necessary equipment. I won't spend that money until I have some flux-core practice under my belt.

Lol... oh come-on, I'm not that bad!

 

Flux core isnt really a skill you need to have.

Learn with gas.welds will come out better.

 

% 75/25 - Argon/CO2

MIG's better if you have the capability.

learn using that.

muh $ .02

 

Why so against the flux. I know it makes dirty, spattery welds, but is there some reason that it would penetrate better or produce a stronger weld? Just curious.

 

I'm not against flux welding...
tho' with the common splatter issue... I'd prefer to leave
that for barnyard welding

On your truck, ugly welds are just that
you will come to prefer MIG's cleaner welds W/ less splatter

Be sure you clean to bare metal for the grounding (helpful)
dirty metal, to be welded, is a spoiler...
so... remove any oil, residue, etc. from the work areas

practice, practice, practice

start with simple projects in the beginning

A class is helpful in understanding the basics
Tho' all the know how is posted online if you look.
^ it's not like welding is a new thing

did I say practice !?

 

spend the money get the gas set up......weld are much better, stronger and easier.
I was in the same boat once you are now.