Welding Tips and Tricks

Beginner. I don't know how anyone did this before instructional videos and auto darkening helmets. Just mild steel and an old Wards 250 amp AC/DC so far. There's no old experienced welder 'just down the block' to help me, so I sought out this forum. I thank everyone in advance.
Clifford

Welcome! You’ll find some here who still use the dark arts of a fixed shade hood and a 500 lb transformer. If it’s out of necessity or nostalgia it makes no difference. If you want to weld this is a good place to ask questions.