i wanted to practice my mig welding so i thought i would build a stock rack, its just two 600 mm squares with 4 connecting pieces at the corners, its a bit big but i was struck how, when i stood it on its end how much it looked like a david copperfield magic trick prop?!?!?

Any way getting much better at mig now! can even fill holes that i have blown in the tube

Did your lovely assistant pass you the bits . Keep up the good work.

At least you are blowing holes! If you are not doing this you are not using enough amps. As the skill level rises, you wont blow so many!

with respect to blowing holes it seemed to be welding upside down that made me do it, is this a common thing?

yes, its more difficult to remember speed, angle and approach when welding overhead, its just practice

its going quite well i am able to control the weld pool much better now,
i just bought an auto darkening helmet,
what a help especially to beginers i would imagine.

i am eager to have a go at some thin gauge stuff now, any pointers?