Trying for a decent bead!!!!

[Dustendee]

no the weld wasn't continuous I did start and stop and im not sure what you mean by cold?

[Gadget]

The bead seems to be laying on the surface with little penetration. A smaller rod will help that somewhat but more heat will get better penetration and pooling of the filler.

[Gadget]

Try the same heat and rod on thinner material and see if that looks better.

[Dustendee]

ok ill try that thanks for the advise i will post pics in the future if any progress

[barracuda]

It looks like you might be pushing back a little bit causing the narrow & wide bead

[Gadget]

You said you were holding the electrode at a 45 degree angle. That could be part of the problem. Here is a blip from another welding site on electrode angle.

"Angle of travel: Stick welding in the flat, horizontal and overhead position uses a "drag" or "backhand" welding technique. Hold the rod perpendicular to the joint and tilt the top of the electrode in the direction of travel approximately 5 to 15 degrees. For welding vertical up, use a "push" or "forehand" technique and tilt the top of the rod 15 degrees away from the direction of travel.'

[barracuda]

I'm notsure if my last replie went through or not , not realgood with this computor stuff. Also would recomend a backward (c) motion when welding I found it to be best to at bottom of (c) & motion up that way when you do weld a T-joint or a lap weld you start your bead on the lower or flat piece of material first. I'm a bit rusty with stick welding mostly use mig, but technic is basic no matter if you are gas , arc,mig or tig. I hope I disscribed that right.

[Dustendee]

so at a 90 degree angle slightly angle the electrode 5 to 15 degrees and pull towards my body or the way of the weld

thanks for the posts all of these are very helpful

[barracuda]

I'm not if my last replie went through or not , not real with this computor stuff. Also would recomend a backward (c) motion when welding I found it to be best to at bottom of (c) & motion up that way when you do weld a T-joint or a lap weld you start your bead on the lower or flat piece of material first. I'm a bit rusty with stick welding mostly use mig, but technic is basic no matter if you are gas , arc,mig or tig. I hope I disscribed that right.

[Dustendee]

Yes Barracuda I got your reply I haven't tried a "C" motion I will definitely give that a shot and post some pics for you guys to see how I'm doing