welder/welding

One thing no one mentioned. When using "gas" , don't have a breeze blowing in the welding area (fan or outside). It will blow the shielding gas away from the torch, and have a lousy weld. I usually use gas inside, but use flux core when welding outside.
I actually have three wire welders already set up. One for mild steel with gas. One for mild steel with flux. One for aluminum with gas (still trying to get decent with this). Also have a "spray" welder for doing steel to cast iron. A stick welder (buzz box). Just got a plasma cutter, that I haven't used yet.
I am not a "welder" by any stretch, just a hobbyist. My skills leave something to be desired, but I get by. It takes practice, and I don't do enough.