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amps or volts

Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 7:15 pm
by lmo506
Hi all. New to this so bear with me please. according to a graph i found here 3/16 or .187 mild steel should have 187 amps. My machine only shows volts. how do you switch that around

Re: amps or volts

Posted: Sat Dec 31, 2016 7:56 pm
by MinnesotaDave
What machine are you using?

Amps are dictated by your wire feed speed. The higher the WFS, the higher the amps to burn it off.

The volts get set high enough for a proper weld based on the wire feed speed (amps) used.

Low volts, high rope like bead.
Too high of volts and the arc spatters a lot and the weld flattens out too much.
Just right is in the middle somewhere.

It's a balance.

Re: amps or volts

Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2017 4:41 am
by Backsheddave
Have a look on the Miller welding app. This gives both an amp range and volts, I find it quite useful for getting started on a thickness of steel I've not welded before.
According to the app 3/16 steel has an amp welding range of 160 - 170 amps and/or 21 to 22 volts guessing that you are using co2 gas. Also the app. gives you a wire speed setting to help you dial in a setting that suits the machine and your welding style. Hope this helps some.......enjoy

Re: amps or volts

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 1:56 am
by Otto Nobedder
Interestingly, my first generation Everlast iMIG200 tells me amps. It reads volts when I set it, reads amps while I'm welding. I either need a second set of eyes to read it during a weld, or I puddle the corner of scrap angle while watching the machine.

Just an observation.

Steve S

Re: amps or volts

Posted: Sun Jan 15, 2017 2:06 am
by Coldman
If I'm qualifying a procedure I set up my phone on video to record power source displays and settings and any multimeters connected as well. Also records arc time.


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