Need feedback on my weld/fab work

[Joel145]

These are a few pics I took while venturing in the world of metal fabbing and welding. This is my first time welding so I'll take all the feedback I can get.

The spot to be replaced
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x160/joel102223/DSC03818.jpg
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x160/joel102223/DSC03819.jpg

Tacked on
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x160/joel102223/DSC03823.jpg

Fully welded
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x160/joel102223/DSC03826.jpg

and cleaned up a little bit
http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x160/joel102223/DSC03827.jpg

Again guys, I want to get as much feedback as I can. I know the pics aren't the greatest but I think they're clear enough.

[G_T]

Looks good. A couple of suggestions:

Make sure you have a gap all around the piece (not tight fitting) so that you get good weld penatration.

Make sure both side of the surrounding metal is very clean (can't tell from the pictures - looks OK).

I would strongly consider sand blasting the whole area (or dipping/etc.) so you can assess the extent of the rust.

It might be necessary or easier to replace the whole panel.

Skip around when welding, and watch for hard grinding in one spot - anything that localizes heat can cause warping.

Good luck and post more progress pics!

[Perry Mitchell]

Try not to overlap your cuts. Less weld to place and grind.

[GBodyGMachine]

Make sure both side of the surrounding metal is very clean (can't tell from the pictures


x2

This makes the welds smaller, because it wil be a cleaner weld, and easier to clean up with a grinder.
Jeff

[Joel145]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. Please keep it coming. My plan is to replace the whole floor not just some sections but I figured I could use the practice so I started tackling these little sections.

[Gordz32]

Keep it clean, I like to up the power so that its not as lumpy, and literally stitch weld it with short burst. Not bad at all though for your first attempt. Keep it up!

[Joel145]

what size wire do you guys think I should be using. I'm using .023 right now.

Joel

[Gordz32]

You should be fine with that size wire. I use .030 ". The smaller wire will be fine for thinner sheetmetal but having a larger wire size is needed for thicker material. What Welder are you using.

[Joel145]

I'm using a Clarke 130en I picked up used.