You might consider investing in a cheap MIG. They are much more forgiving than stick welding, especially stick welding with an AC buzz box.

See if you can find some smaller diameter welding rod for the low amperage you are using. The 3/32 ay be too heavy. Also, stick welding on light gauge steel is always easier using DC reverse polarity than AC. The arc is more stable, and puddles are more managable.

You will find that when strength is important, the 6011 will do a better job, but 6013 will be easier to use, give a better appearing weld, spatter less, and slag removal will be easier compared to 6011.

Thanks for the help. I got this welder almost free along with a pile of rods. I am planning on getting a decent Mig, either a Millermatic or a Hobart, something around a 180. But as long as I have this old buzz box I want to get good with it, and keep it alongside the Mig, so I can use it for heavy or dirty work. Plus, I am having a BLAST with it. I have a huge pile of scrap tube, sheet, plate and pipe and every day I can't wait to get home and suit up.

I learned a technique that has helped on the thin steel. It was really the edges that were giving me problems. I have started by forming my puddle a tad in from the cut edge and working it toward the edge and the piece I am attaching, then, tilting my rod way over, kind of blowing it onto the other piece quickly. I can't really lead my puddle this way, it is more like I am pushing it. I suppose I get more slag inclusion this way.

I did get some 1/16" rods today, will try them out this weekend. I know when I get my mig it will be way easier, but I don't see the harm in becoming proficient with my stick welder first.