Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi, new to welding. Just wanted a few tips on how I can improve my beads. The first picture is 1/8" 6011 ran on about 90 amps , the second is 1/8" 7018 ran on about 120 amps. All were laid on a 1/4" plate. Pretty sure 6011 was run on DCEP and 7018 on DCEN. My welder just has a picture by ports for welding leads, one looks like stinger one looks like work clamp.

Wonder what type of machine you're running? Does it have DC capability?

If you're are running DC, two things; 6011 is an AC rod, both rods are designed to be run EP if you're running DC.

Your beads look as though there may be erratic filler deposits. Try laying your rod at appx 45 degrees, let your burn rate be your travel speed, run at 100 amps. Just keep your arc length tight and let the rod burn in the direction you want the bead to be. The bead should be very smooth with the 7018, and very consistent.

I have a 240ac/180dc craftsman welder. Both beads are ran dc 6011 was run DCEP and the 7018 was DCEN. They are both U.S Forge rods. I was doing whip and pause on 6011 and just dragging the 7018.That was all welded in flat position. I'll definitley try what you suggested tyvm for the onformation.

1-weld both rods on DCEP
2- angle should be 75* to 85*
3- your 7018 looks way cold but that may be from DCEN
4-your 6011 is not bad, make sure you are hot enough and keep practicing the whip and pause. Watch Jody's video on 6010's and weld 6011's the same way.
5- adjust your amps up and down when practicing, welding too cold makes everything much harder.

Awesome tyvm I'm going to put putting in some time this weekend. I'll post some follow ups.

post better pics. these old eye's can't see s#!t.