How does voltage and amperage affect welding

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I have spent the longest time trying to figure out exactly how voltage and amperage compliment each other and about volt amp curves and welding characteristics of welding machinesAs I understand it, if looking at the two rheostats of an sae300, "Course Current" is "Amperage" (Left Rheostat) and "Fine adjustment/OCV" is "Voltage" (right Rheostat)But however, on other sae300's, there is "Job Selector" which is assuming "Voltage" (Left Rheostat) and "Course Current" is Amperage (right Rheostat)Now looking at sa200's, the Ranges are "Amperage" and Fine current adjustment/OCV is "Voltage" (right hand knob)What does Voltage control?  and how will it affect the arc characteristics? It is funny being a Welder using these machines and not knowing exactly the effects of high voltage/low amps vs. low voltage/high amps . I know that a higher voltage controls washing out of the puddle and flattening of the puddle while amperage controls penetration, but I want to know which one controls such things as solidification of the puddle, how to manipulate the machine to really tailor the arc to how it will weld like a dream. I've always been clueless on how voltage and amperage precisely affect the machine46’ sae30047’ sa200 w/Wisconsin VF451’ shorthood56’ shorthood56’ shorthood68’ redface69 redface07’ ranger 305G13’ sae300Inconel/Hastelloy – SS – Duplex – Chrome/Carbon Tig – F3Downhand – STT/RMD – F3F4 – B Pressure
Reply:There is some good info here:  http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...rticle108.htmlAlso see pics ... Attached ImagesLast edited by Oldendum; 12-25-2012 at 09:10 AM."USMCPOP" First-born son: KIA  Iraq 1/26/05Syncrowave 250 w/ Coolmate 3Dialarc 250, Idealarc 250SP-175 +Firepower TIG 160S (gave the TA 161 STL to the son)Lincwelder AC180C (1952)Victor & Smith O/A torchesMiller spot welder
Reply:Right from an SA-200 owner's manual. Attached ImagesDon’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Oh wow Oldendum and CEP, this info is exactly what I needed to know, thankyou guys for posting it! 46’ sae30047’ sa200 w/Wisconsin VF451’ shorthood56’ shorthood56’ shorthood68’ redface69 redface07’ ranger 305G13’ sae300Inconel/Hastelloy – SS – Duplex – Chrome/Carbon Tig – F3Downhand – STT/RMD – F3F4 – B Pressure
Reply:Oldendum - What book is that? Is it the Lincoln PHAW? It looks interesting.
Reply:Hey Oldendum, by chance what is the name of that book? The part where it says "refer to 2-23" and it talks about reducing voltage from 40 to 30, of how it affects amperage depending upon whether you are using a higher range/lower fine current or OCV vs lower Range/Higher fine current, IT all makes sense now. I am going to see if I can find that book on eBay or if they have a PDF file on one of the library websitessame as Kelvin! I still had the same window open46’ sae30047’ sa200 w/Wisconsin VF451’ shorthood56’ shorthood56’ shorthood68’ redface69 redface07’ ranger 305G13’ sae300Inconel/Hastelloy – SS – Duplex – Chrome/Carbon Tig – F3Downhand – STT/RMD – F3F4 – B Pressure