Hi Aaron,
those carbon steel beads dont look bad. It is pretty normal for them to be dull and gray on 1/8 thick steel while you are practicing.
A small piece of steel like that gets hot quick and does not have time to cool as the argon from the cup moves along.
clamping the steel to a piece of aluminum might help.
it also helps to practice on 2 or 3 pieces at a time alternating pieces while the other ones have a chance to cool off a bit.
If you are still using standard cups that come with most machines and torches, a #8 stubby gas lens might help you a lot.
using a larger cup like a furick 12 would probably make your beads a bit shinier but requires more argon flow.
hope this helps, your doing fine,
jody
Replied on TIG Fillets ER70S-2 vs ER70S-6
Dec 17 at 05:51 PM
thanks very much and have a Great Christmas