Here's a real life scenario.
I built a 38'
boat out of
steel some years back..
While I went to welding
school, I also practiced back home.
I would take pieces of 2" x1/4" flat bar and weld them together.
When done, I'd stand back and admire my
work. I would also test the weld.
My first few efforts were laughable. I could break the welded joint with a flick of my wrist.
This continued for some time. All my welds broke. While I had set the machine to the recommended setting for the rod I was using, I did not account for the voltage drop from the
plug to machine, a distance of about 30' or so.
A welder friend came by one night, quickly understood the problem, and cranked that 'ole Miller up, several notches.
Voila, what a difference.
This time my welds were much improved.
When I could no longer break a joint with a sledgehammer, I deemed myself ready to actually start building my
boat.
During the construction of my frames, I had more guidance from pro welders. They undoubtable saved me from a litany of
mistakes I was doing. It wasn't until I started the plating, that I finally felt secure enuff in my welding prowess.
I really owe my successful build to the many that helped me.