Jim_in_Omaha
Gold Member
I know there are tons of post regarding welding, but I thought I might ask for some direct pointers on a couple of things. I have experience with MIG which is fairly straight forward. I needed more heat so I found a Miller Thunderbolt XL 300/200 AC/DC that I picked up for $250. It had been dropped and I fixed the cabinet and cover, it was brand new. I have found that it is capable of producing plenty of heat.
What I would like some tips on are this:
Welding mild steel 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick ranges. What would the best type of rods be for this?
I have some 1/8" 7014 I bought at TSC for practicing and it seems to be real touchy on the amperage. Sometimes I make a great bead, then other times it looks like I smear toothpaste. This is after I clean the slag off. Also it would appear that the direction of the welding is touchy. If I keep it horizontal and flat it does considerably better.
I have been using DC neg and that seems to be the best results. I've been studying the other posts and have picked up alot of good tips. Most of my stuff is done with my Millermatic 135 but it's only good up to about 1/4. Maybe someday I can pickup a Millermatic 251. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
thanks
Jim
What I would like some tips on are this:
Welding mild steel 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick ranges. What would the best type of rods be for this?
I have some 1/8" 7014 I bought at TSC for practicing and it seems to be real touchy on the amperage. Sometimes I make a great bead, then other times it looks like I smear toothpaste. This is after I clean the slag off. Also it would appear that the direction of the welding is touchy. If I keep it horizontal and flat it does considerably better.
I have been using DC neg and that seems to be the best results. I've been studying the other posts and have picked up alot of good tips. Most of my stuff is done with my Millermatic 135 but it's only good up to about 1/4. Maybe someday I can pickup a Millermatic 251. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
thanks
Jim