u/Small_Reputation4730

So i just started messing around with stick welding after work and these are my first beads ever on some scrap plate. No idea if theyre decent or complete garbage so figured id ask the people who actually know.

For context i dont weld for a living, just picked it up as a hobby and im doing it after my shifts. Dont have much gear yet so the usual beginner stuff everyone builds (tables, chairs, fire pits) is a bit much for me right now.

few questions:

how bad is it?

what should i actually practice with a limited setup? like any drills that dont eat up a ton of rod/metal

if i wanted to eventually go pro whats worth focusing on -structural, pipe... no clue where to even start

any tips appreciated 🙏