Cheers Tweake :) Yeah okay I'll keep that in mind then (re the 6013 and vert up).. Whilst I'm definitely no master welder I'm reasonably steady and no matter how tight an arc I hold, and how well I prop - I just can't really get anything half decent looking going vert up with 6013... I've got some 7...

Thanks heaps Tweake and CJ! I tried both of your suggestions a few times each - and ended up getting slightly better results going a little slower trying to concentrate on fill... The 'under fill' explanation makes sense to me... I suppose the arc is gouging to a degree AND gravity is trying to suck...

Thanks Alan!

Actually you just reminded me ... I meant to mention the rod I used... It was a 6013 which seems quite common over here in Australia as a general purpose rod. Is that the case in the USA or is 7018 more common as a bit of a 'do it all' rod?

Hey BillE.Dee and Tweake! Thanks for the welcome and Billie - you called it... A neighbour from across a little stretch of water has already replied :) Thanks Tweake - yeah I know the Hafco brand but I think I'm gonna make a weld table as a little project. A mate has access to a large bed water cutt...

Hi Everyone! My name is Jayd and I'm joining in from Australia (Brisbane) and have recently purchased an AC/DC TIG/Arc inverter machine (200 amp) and am gradually trying to teach myself to weld... Watching many youtubes, asking a few other hobby-ist friends and hoping to benefit from some of the awe...