New (to me) Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC
- Thread starter GManBart
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Shield Arc
Super Member
That is only a short term fix. A guy is better off learning how to read the puddle. And learn how to anticipate what the puddle is going to do, so you can make corrections to control the puddle.
Thanks!
jack707
Veteran Member
Just starting off is OK get that down before puddle reading
OP
GManBart
Elite Member
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I'm still learning, and really trying to learn to read the puddle. That was part of why I got the undercut...I figure that's just part of the learning curve. I ran out of time or I would have run a couple more beads with that new knowledge, and I think it would be better.
The goal with my practice isn't to get a good bead, it's to learn what it takes to get a good bead, if that makes sense. I figure once I learn to really read the puddle I won't have to think about timing, or what a chart suggests as an amperage setting, or most of the other variables....the puddle will tell me if I'm right or wrong, and the resulting bead will either confirm or deny it.
Then again, I don't know anything about it, so I could be completely wrong :laughing:
jack707
Veteran Member
Another thing is how your put the rod in the stinger put it in so it's on a 45 degree and wash the sides and don't worry about the middle.
Shield Arc
Super Member
Most likely you will never be in this situation.
I've taken several welding tests, that when I walked into the testing booth. Duct tape was over all the gauges on the welder. First part of the test is to be within the wire / rod manufacture's specifications. If not, I got to go home early that day. Which is a good thing, so I could start looking for another job.
jack707
Veteran Member
I took make or break tests in the field never had duct tape on the readout of the welders .Most likely you will never be in this situation.
I've taken several welding tests, that when I walked into the testing booth. Duct tape was over all the gauges on the welder. First part of the test is to be within the wire / rod manufacture's specifications. If not, I got to go home early that day. Which is a good thing, so I could start looking for another job.
Shield Arc
Super Member
These tests were all for construction projects in the local Navy shipyards. The Navy did not do the testing, they sent us to a testing facility in Seattle.
OP
GManBart
Elite Member
- Joined
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- Messages
- 4,976
- Location
- Detroit, Michigan
- Tractor
- Massey Ferguson 241, Kubota SVL90-2
Most likely you will never be in this situation.
I've taken several welding tests, that when I walked into the testing booth. Duct tape was over all the gauges on the welder. First part of the test is to be within the wire / rod manufacture's specifications. If not, I got to go home early that day. Which is a good thing, so I could start looking for another job.
I don't imagine I'll ever be taking any tests, but I certainly don't want to rely on anything other than experience and what I'm seeing!
rankrank1
Platinum Member
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- SW OH - near Dayton, OH
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- 1978 Kubota L285, 1951 Farmall h, 1946 Farmall m, 1950 John Deere A, 1953 Ford NAA Golden Jubilee, 195? Ford 850, 1948 Case DC, 1948 Case SC
Here is my Miller Thunderbolt that I call my welding drag queen. These were sold by farm stores like TSC, Quality Farm & Fleet, etc. in the mid-1990's under a different name than Miller but it is in fact all Miller. Picked this up for $100 a few years back off craigslist. If things get tight, it would be the absolute last of my 4 welders that I would willingly part with.
