Yeah Chaz, I wasn't trying to say anything about your welds, but do you really want your very first welding project to be the frame? Especially where the frame has been cut in half and is being rejoined at a Z ? Maybe some minor brackets or whatever, but the welds you are talking about here are very critical and will be stressed anyway by the fact they are on a kickup.

The frame is the foundation for the entire build, and it takes a great amount of stress and flexing. You see that I didn't even attempt to weld the frame for my bucket myself, and I have welded for years.............not pretty welds, but mine do hold. I didn't mind stepping aside and letting my Son do this for me because it is so important to get this part of the build done correctly and strong.

To answer the one part of your question, yes, you have to grind the steel until it is shiny clean to get good welds.

Please rethink the welding issue until you have more experience.

Don