Dave,
I have been welding for more that 25 years and the biggest limit is the talent of the welder. Practice as much as you can and you will quickly discover the limit of welding pits. Some are just to dirty at the bottom and getting them clean is impractical. Some are in to thin an area and you will cause penetration to the inside. Get a pitted up barrel and weld everything on it. Also realize that just because the weld looks good does not mean that it it structurally sound. after you weld them file the weld down and see if there is any porosity under the surface. If there is the weld is no good. E-mail me if you need some advice or help. I'll be glad to tell you what I can.
Bill G.
