Good
welding beads are visually worthless. Proper welds are only applied where structural integrity is necessary.
I run hot and cold beads for the visual effect I want. The more heat
and spatter the better. Metal warping matters little. I use an ac/dc stick welder and set the amperage and
polarity to get the visual effect I want regardless of the welding rod type
or size . I
use mild steel and cast iron primarily because the metal is heavy and highly susceptible to
corrosion.
As sculpture
material they mirror my feelings about life.
The only rules I
follow are to not stand in a puddle when welding and drop the welding hood
down in time. Enough said.