good or bad welds

[new2zukes]

hi guys just welded my tow hitch for my transporter trailer and was wondering weather the welds i have done are good or bad as i havn't been told how to weld i have just looked at vids n stuff i thought id get your opinions. i have only welded on top do you think that it will be strong enough?

[De-Ranged]

Where your welds are clean you have done well.... the welds hot enough to have penetrated into both sides and you didn't travel to fast that you've under cut
But being a transporter trailer and carrying a bit of weight the last thing you want is it to break, flip it over and do the other side and clean it up as best you can before welding this will help if you are able to lean it up so the weld puddle when you weld is level not ramping up to the side you'll find it a bit easyer

[new2zukes]

hey thanks for that makes me feel alot beter:) i was using the welder on about 130.

[De-Ranged]

Hey just out of interest how old are your welding rods, with arc rods the flux can absorb moisture over time, if they are old, stained or at worst rusty biff them in the oven (when the miss's an't home ) at 120-150 for 20min this will dry them out... can make a huge differance to your welds

[Engineer]

and then keep them in the hot water cupboard

[new2zukes]

oh okay they are kept in my shed and they are about a year old have a packet of 4mm rods and a packet of 2.5mm rods. they look ok just as they came from shop but will keep em in hot water cupboard thanks.
martin