well free tip no1, go grab a box of wia or esab 16tc rods 7016, they run alot nicer than cheap gp rods which are probly a 6013 and you can clearly see the slag sitting on top of the weld as your laying it makes it slot easier to lay a nice weld without getting any slag inclusions
even brand name gp rods like cig's satincraft rods are a big improvement over bunnings home brand rods