all you guys out there that can weld

looks pretty good for first time compared to some stuff i've seen

What Rod were you using? 7018, 6010

Like laidout said, you can't give very many pointers without knowing what kind of electrode you were using. I'd start out with 7018 to practice with, once you get your arc started well and running nice beads then try out a 6010. 6010 is a fast freeze rod and you need to use a whip technique with it. Different rods are used in different positions, and different rod angles, etc. You were probably using 7018 but specify so we can give you the best info.

Also arc length can control how much heat you are putting into a weld, it controls voltage. Stick is a constant current (amperage) and you control the voltage by arc length, play around and see what works for you. Also work on your starts and stops on your welds and if you run multiple passes over eachother get out all of your slag. The biggest thing you want to watch out for is undercut, spatter, and pinholes.

if that is 7018 rod that you are use you want to run it at 105-110 amps.....From the looks of it you went to fast and it looks like your hand was letting the rod drift up to high from the metal you want to keep it as close to the metal as possible like 1/16inch. Just keep trying you'll get it..

I hope with metal that rusty your using a 6010 or 6011. You need to watch the puddle really well. Like the others said, speed is everything. Most of your root edge's show wash-out. Also your slag when you chip it off will start to give you a clue. If it is hard to chip off, not your best weld. If it is really easy then your weld is better. But that is gonna hinge on what rod too. A 7024 will lay a really pretty bead but should be used on clean steel and only for flat and horizontal welds. If you lived near me I could hire you as an iron worker and teach you on the job site.

it was a 6010 rod and the pic with the four welds together is the bottom side of the angle and the pics where you can see the tops of the angle are the pics of the top. i would believe that these welds hold cuz i put it in a vice and hit it with a hammer and the table the vice was attached too fell over. the starts and stops were harsh cuz i couldnt get a good ground and i kept running out of stick i deffinitely take more pics of more stuff i burn together. im gona be purchasing a mig welder for my house and im still gonna use the stick at work i wanna make sure my welds will hold before i start ripping into my truck again.
and i appreciate all the comments keep em coming

very good start, go a lil slower as these guys stated. and the more comfortable u are, the better u weld will be. are mine are anyways. just try to get comfortable and concentrate on the weld. watch the puddle

Hey man, not bad for a beginner but I can say, its nice to see someone pick up a stick welder and learn basics and technique and ask questions before grabbing a mig gun and thinking they are a pro the first spool of wire they use up.

i learned how to weld in prison, so if you need some advice i suggest robbing people and going to prison to learn to weld there...


on a serious note, welding is all about practice. The more you do it the easier to becomes, provided you have sound advice as to if you are welding properly or not.

I've met people who have welded for years and still suck at it, why? Because someone else that was shitty said it was good.