Help needed... fast

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Since I bought my Mig machine, I haven't done stick in a while. I just had a last minute opportunity come up that I'd like to get. The boss said it's "easy" stuff-D1.1. I need to certify though. Since I haven't done much lately, and I don't want to look like a total ****, I drug the dusty old AC Lincoln out and burnt a little 7018AC. The pic stinks (sorry), but this about the best I could come up with overhead, before I ran out of rod. This old AC machine isn't very smooth, but I was hoping that if I could do ok on it, a new DC machine would easier. From what you can see in the blurr, think I have a chance?Since I don't do this full time and it's been a while, I need to refresh my memory. Here's what I came up with:90-105amps, 1/8" rodstringer first , then back and forth--left-hold-right-hold.... With such short notice I'm gonna have to wing it a little. Can anyone offer input?
Reply:It's not the smoothest, but you sure have a chance.  Typically, when welding overhead, I will not try and deposit as much material on each pass as I would flat.  I put down as much as I would welding horizontal...and you know you can only put down so much in one pass before it begins to sag.Did he not say what position you will be testing in?  Is it a fillet weld?
Reply:For 7018, you need more amps and less weave overhead.  Try just stringers.  Keep bumping  up the amps until you loose control, then back down a little.  Looks good for a start.  Find out what the test is going to be and practice that.  You sure do have a chance.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:when I do 7018 overhead I don't manipulate at all.I keep a nice tight arc,put about 10 degrees on the rod and go.
Reply:David is right, and throw that 7018AC in the trash and get some Excalibur, you will thank yourself.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.
Reply:All that rushing around and I don't think it's gonna happen anyway. I guess I didn't really waste any time though... Good to get some practice in. Thanks for the help. This forum is an example of why the web is good. How else could I get constructive criticism in two hours on a Sunday here in the sticks??? Anyway, I'm going to keep working on it anyway. Maybe something else will come up. Will Excalibur run on my AC dinosaur? This guy never said what the test was, I figured I better get good with vert. up and overhead. If you wanted to stay practiced up on general d1.1, What would you prepare for, and what rod?
Reply:Here's what I came up with:90-105amps, 1/8" rodstringer first , then back and forth--left-hold-right-hold....
Reply:7018AC is all you will be able to run on your machine,  Just more amps.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.