Welded a test coupon with a borrowed stinger, got a cleaner bead than my own rig

Borrowed an old Lincoln from a guy at the yard for a quick job and my beads came out way smoother than with my Miller at home. Anyone else run into a tool that just clicked with them unexpectedly?

2 comments

2 Comments

black.pat1mo ago

Welding rigs can be picky about rods just like people.

king.andrew1mo ago

Got a buddy who swears his old Miller only runs right on Lincoln rods, the red ones specifically. Tried to hand him a box of Hobarts one time (big mistake) and the arc just sputtered and popped like a grumpy cat. He actually packed up for the day rather than fight with it. Then there's my uncle's ancient engine drive, thing looks held together with bailing wire and hope, and it'll burn just about any 7018 you throw in the feeder like it's nothing. Makes you wonder if machines develop personalities, or if it's all just grounding and bad karma.