PA-300, my opinion.

[DXN1EL]

Check the copper band inside the clamp, make sure the bolts holding the copper thing are not loose. I was having the same problem.
Happy welding!!

 

[CNC Dan]

Can anyone recommend a good book on stick welding that may help me understand more and learn more?

Lincoln has some of the best books at the best prices.

You may also want to watch videos on youtube by "weldingtipsandtricks"

You might also consider DVDs from Wall Mountain. Best welding photography.

 

[Code54]

Thanks Cncdan, I will check them out

 

[eastexan]

Also some rods that absolutely would not run on my Miller Thunderbolt would run on the PA-300. The crap rods did not run great on the PA-300 but at least it ran em - certainly not the PA-300's fault as my Thunderbolt would not even run em.

Thanks for the review.
Are you making the comparison running the Thunderbolt on DC or AC?

 

[Happy Gilmore]

I'm jealous guys, thanks for the pics Shield Arc :thumbsup:

 

[dragoneggs]

Man... do I ever have a lot to learn. Can I just focus on learning MIG??? Haven't stick welded since college. Oh and that is a long time ago.

 

[Raspy]

Man... do I ever have a lot to learn.

Wow, me too.

I've welded casually for a long time, but now I'm actually studying and watching videos and practicing. Today was 7018 vertical and playing with the amps, the arc force and hot start. I have a nice project going and there has been a lot of practice on scrap, then the real weld, then flap disk, etc.

This new welder is making me take a giant step forward. Love it.

 

[rankrank1]

Thanks for the review.
Are you making the comparison running the Thunderbolt on DC or AC?

DC to DC (and only at settings less than 150 amps which is the max of the Thunderbolt on DC). Only fair way to remotely compare the two IMOP. So far the comparison has been more in the 95 to 105 amp vicinity with the rods I have played with up to this point.

6013 rods were not a huge difference between the 2 welders with rod in proper weld position (although with the rod in a goofy position the Everlast surprised me as I posted earlier - an unexpected nice surprise.)

I noticed the biggest difference between the two machines with 6011 thus far. 6011 has always been a tad more difficult for me to run. Some days I do great with it and other days I think I have never touched a stinger before. Anyway with 6011, I could see the edges of the puddle wet-in better than with Thunderbolt. Maybe this will be my aha moment for 6011. Time will tell...as I find time to play some more.

For the record I am not slamming my ole Thunderbolt either. It is what it is which is a 40 to 45 year old machine (entry level buzz box still capable of doing the job after all these years).

 

[Underdog57]

Check the copper band inside the clamp, make sure the bolts holding the copper thing are not loose. I was having the same problem.
Happy welding!!

The bolts on my clamp were just a tad loose also. Thanks for the tip! :thumbsup:

 

[Mark @ Everlast]

The bolts on my clamp were just a tad loose also. Thanks for the tip! :thumbsup:

Where exactly? I'll pass this on to the factory to take note.