New TB 302

[shortarc]

Just got a new TB 302 today. Mounted it in my old service truck until I can get my other truck ready.

Just burnt a couple of rods with it this evening and I have to say the thing really welds nice I can't believe how much smother it is than my old Ranger 8, no comparison.

I wish to thank all on these forums for the advice and recommendations, I don't think I'll be sorry. I'll try to post some pictures of some beads I laid with it when I get settled in with it.

[DDA52]

Congrats. You will really like it once you get used to it. I was burning 7018's today and still like it. With the variable dig, it runs rods great in all conditions. Same with wire and TIG......matter of fact, I don't know it it won't do anything well.


FWIW, mine really likes Hobart 7018's much better than Lincolns.

[Copperdog]

Variable dig?

I also have a TB 302 and have used the variable dig feature.
I am a novice and don't fully understand that feature like I would like to.
Can anybody explain in simple terms?
Thanks

[DDA52]

Very simply put, it will change the arc from a softer setting, preferred with a 7018, to a harsher or stiffer setting for 6010. It adjusts the characteristics to help the electrodes out with their different characteristics. 6010's are very deep digging rods. They are specificaly made to be like that. The stiffer arc will help them do their job even better. That same arc isn't the best for a 7018. It likes a softer setting to curb the undercutting tendencies it has. Adding a little more dig to 7018's can help with overhead and vert up...although I don't like it high on vert up. With a soft arc, the puddle will be very fluid. Not the best for out of position with a 7018. By adding dig, you can make the puddle easier to manage.

Not the best explanation I'm sure, but it might do it.

[shade tree welder]

Congrats ShortArc

I think you will love the TB302 once you get a handle on the dig setting, I have one that I got about 3 months ago, happy as a jaybird, I was impressed with the welding capabilities compared to bobcats rangers etc., no comparison to the 302. I think Miller got this one down pat!

[shortarc]

This is a picture of a vertical up bead I made this evening just playing around.

Metal is 1/4 inch, Hobart 7018 3/32, 85 amps, dig on soft.

The bump toward the top is where I stopped and restarted.

[Burnindaylight]

Congrats, I got my 302 about 6 months ago, and finally got them to purchase on at work for my service truck last month. The dual generator feature is one of my favorites on these machines, one guy welding another with a chop saw or anything else, man just can't beat that I wish i used mine at home more, already passed it on hours to the one at work

[Anti-GMAW]

I also have a TB 302 and have used the variable dig feature.
I am a novice and don't fully understand that feature like I would like to.
Can anybody explain in simple terms?
Thanks

I'm not trying to say it's too big of a machine for you or anything like that but I'm just curious as to why you need a TB 302 being a novice welder.