New (to me) Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC

[yomax4]

Now you are ready for vertical up hill with 7018!

Wish I could duplicate. Dang !

 

[Shield Arc]

Try counting 1 1 thousand 2 1 thousand

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.

Wish I could duplicate. Dang !

Thanks!

 

[jack707]

Just starting off is OK get that down before puddle reading

 

[GManBart]

Just starting off is OK get that down before puddle reading

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]

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]

or what a chart suggests as an amperage setting, or most of the other variables.

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]

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 took make or break tests in the field never had duct tape on the readout of the welders .

 

[Shield Arc]

I took make or break tests in the field never had duct tape on the readout of the welders .

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.

 

[GManBart]

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]

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.

 

[GManBart]

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.

Cool! I knew the same machine was also sold as a Hobart, but didn't realize they were also badged with other brands. That was $100 well spent on your part!

 

[BufordBoone]

Well done, G-Man. I've begun to try my hand at welding and I've enjoyed your "ugly beads" thread as well as this one.

I hope to never stop learning.

 

[Arc weld]

Miller made the machines for other manufacturers but these models might have been before ITW owned both Miller and Hobart. Vertical up 7018 can be done more than one way. Some people pause at the sides longer and make what looks like criss crossing steps (usually lower amps), some people do shorter pauses with less pronounced steps and other people just weave side to side with barely a pause at all and just keep the rod moving. I've seen some vertical up 7018 on pipe that looks like it was roll welded in the flat position.

 

[GManBart]

Well done, G-Man. I've begun to try my hand at welding and I've enjoyed your "ugly beads" thread as well as this one.

I hope to never stop learning.

Thanks! I'm glad it helps more than just me