what color should puddle be?

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Hello all, excuse me if this is a stupid question. I'm using a 120v stick welder, and notice that the puddle is kind of dull looking sometimes but other times it's brighter. the shade of my helmet stays the same. should the puddle be the same brightness all the time. I've been experimenting with different rods and sizes.1/32, 1/16, 5/64. 6011, 7014,6013. Thanks
Reply:Thicker rods use more amps, more amps makes a brighter arc.Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:if you are using one size/type of rod only and you are seeing variations in the puddle it means you have changed one of the CLAMS parameters (Current, arc Length, Angle, Manipulation, drag Speed). My guess is you holding too tight an arc and burying it in the puddle when it is dark, or maybe long arcing it when it is really bright. As you become more consistent with the arch length and drag speed I think it will sort itself out for you. You will also find that some people like to manipulate the rod tip into little patterns (Cs, Us, circles, side to side, etc.) as you do that you will notice changes in the brightness of the arc and how well illuminated the bead is. Getting more light on the bead can be desirable for some.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:thanks for the responses. will definitely keep practicing. hopefully this welding stuff won't be such a mystery.
Reply:Something you might take note of is the slight colour difference between the molten metal in the pool under the arc and the flux at the edges having a more orange colour.  As you establish an arc and form a pool you can see the arc force pushing the flux to the back side of the puddle as your rod is angles slightly forward.  You don't want the other way round where you are carrying the arc over the flux.  When doing verticals beginners often confuse the slight difference in colour and panic when they see the flux running down.  They fail to notice the molten pool is sitting there doing just fine.
Reply:if you push the rod into the molten puddle it will be less bright.  if you pull away from the puddle you get a longer and brighter arc...Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250
Reply:Having a bevel groove to reflect light can also affect things. Once the bevel's full, there's nothing to reflect and everything gets that much darker.Currently working as a Paralegal, but still interested in hobby welding.Miller Bobcat 225ntOne- Character Fractions: ¼ ½ ¾ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞
Reply:Originally Posted by bikercatHello all, excuse me if this is a stupid question. I'm using a 120v stick welder, and notice that the puddle is kind of dull looking sometimes but other times it's brighter. the shade of my helmet stays the same. should the puddle be the same brightness all the time. I've been experimenting with different rods and sizes.1/32, 1/16, 5/64. 6011, 7014,6013. Thanks