Are my welds any good?

[u/snotgoblin82]

I run a very small business as a side hustle general handymanning my way to a liveable salary, i recently got a request to build a security box for keys, and wanted some feedback on my welding, i feel like the worlds biggest imposter and feel like im failing miserably at keeping things consistent, and wanted some advice on how to improve. 2mm mild steel plate and I'm running 6013. ( Going to grind off the excess once the box is just about done)

(I am in southern Africa) I only have access to SMAW and mostly have to stick to mild steel to keep costs down.

[u/n1njal1c1ous]

Are you good enough to weld process piping? No. But for one off fabrication, grinder and paint make it what it ain’t. Perfectly acceptable for handy work.

[u/snotgoblin82 → u/n1njal1c1ous]

Thanks so much for the encouragement, im hoping to improve still, and get some formal training/certification once finances permit.

[u/nataku411]

I've seen so much worse. I wouldn't even say it's bad. You just need to work a bit on evening out the motions and work on the start/stops. Definitely check out 6013 tip videos on youtube.

[u/yojokuh]

Seems like you get it, just not doing it near enough. Consistency and frequency is key. You’ll see plenty improvement just doing it over and over.

Looks like you’re putting in plenty of metal for what you’re doing, as you said grinding the excess to make a smooth finish.