Practice on scrap metal of the same thickness as your finished steel. Pay attention to the sound that the arc makes when you've made a good bead. Sput-sput-sput-sput is usually not a good sound. Yes, I know, it sounds weird, but it tells me right away whether I need to take a break or finish the bead.
Elizabeth M. Meadows
Mother, Metal Sculptor in that order.
Pay attention to the sound of the arc
Practice on scrap metal of the same thickness as your finished steel. Pay attention to the sound that the arc makes when you've made a good bead. Sput-sput-sput-sput is usually not a good sound. Yes, I know, it sounds weird, but it tells me right away whether I need to take a break or finish the bead.
Elizabeth M. Meadows
Mother, Metal Sculptor in that order.