Thanks in advance for the input

Here it goes:

1. Are flux coated steel arc welding electrodes no good for oxyacet
welding?. I tried a few I got with poor results. The electrode does not
add easily to the puddle and in fact it often sticks to the base metal. Of
course it could be my nil experience in welding, but I'm intriged.

2. I bought some no name cheapie goggles. The lenses are plastic with a
greenbluish hue, supposedly compliant with ANSI Z87.1. These cut
effectively the flames's bright, but I found i could not see well the
workpieces. I went out and got new goggles, brand name, these have a pane
of thick green glass, clearly marked shade 5 and ANSI, DIN and ISO
compliant, rated for arc welding. With these, noticeably clearer, I can
see much better the work, the puddle, the flame structure is visible and
now I even can see the regulators' gauges!. However, there is more light
from the flame coming through, on occasions slightly dazzling, sp. when
lighting the torch. I have noticed no eye discomfort or pain so far, but I
weld/cut for just about 1 hr every other day. Do I need to be concerned
about my eyes?

3. What does it mean "do not wear contact lenses when welding"? I use
contacts and of course I slip the goggles on when welding. The lenses
still have not fused to my eyeballs. What is the deal with this warning?

4. Suppose I cut steel pieces with torch. If I want to weld/braze them
along the cutting lines, do the cut pieces need to receive some treatment
prior to the welding?

Happy New Year everybody, BTW


Mongke