Dialing in actual parameters of mm140

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Hi all.  First time starting a thread here.  I'm trying to set up my Millermatic 140 inputs to match the real world.  I extrapolated the wire feed speed range OK.  That was a pretty easy linear progression using the information given in the manual.  Where I'm getting some confusion is in calibrating the voltage control into actual volts.  The only information I've been able to find both in the manual and on the net is a Volt-Ampere Curve graph.  On it, there are drawn 2 curves; one for minimum and another for maximum output capability (Amps vs Volts) for the power source.  How can these two (four?) pieces of information be extrapolated to the single "voltage range" printed on the voltage output adjustment knob?  Doing some head scratching here!Last edited by ndr1968; 11-29-2014 at 12:26 PM.
Reply:Isn't there a chart inside the door?Start there, small adjustments from there if needed and you're all set.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:Make adjustments to wire speed before messing with voltage.  After setting as Dave described.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:Yes, there's "parameters" and suggested settings inside the door.  I just wanted to know what each number on the arbitrary scale translated to in actual quantities.  example:  If the actual output voltage range is 10 to 140volts, then the equivalent dial setting for say 39 volts would be 3 on the dial and for 97 volts it would be 7 on the dial and for 126 volts it would be 9 etc etc.  Later, I will set up a chart for the actual feed rates by empirical test.  That is I will time each position on the dial for 6 seconds and factor those numbers by ten to arrive at an actual feed rate in inches per minute for each dial position.
Reply:Small machines like this don't produce voltage like you want. Changing wire size/speed, stick out, etc will change what the actual voltage is. Thus why there is a graph vs simply telling you setting X is 17v and setting Y is 18v.Higher end more expensive machines are set up to deliver a fixed voltage constantly. Even if you work out what the actual voltage is, it's only good for those exact parameters. Make any sort of change, say to wire size or speed, and the voltage is going to change some what.In reality, actual voltage numbers really aren't any better than say tapped locations on older machines. They just give you a reference to set the machine by. On average you aren't going to find anyone using machines of this class doing work where actual voltage settings are critical to the work..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:You guys put waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more thought in to welding than I do! Find the sweet spot, make a mark on the face plate, and go build something.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYou guys put waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more thought in to welding than I do! Find the sweet spot, make a mark on the face plate, and go build something.
Reply:Originally Posted by ndr1968Yes, there's "parameters" and suggested settings inside the door.  I just wanted to know what each number on the arbitrary scale translated to in actual quantities.  example:  If the actual output voltage range is 10 to 140volts, then the equivalent dial setting for say 39 volts would be 3 on the dial and for 97 volts it would be 7 on the dial and for 126 volts it would be 9 etc etc.  Later, I will set up a chart for the actual feed rates by empirical test.  That is I will time each position on the dial for 6 seconds and factor those numbers by ten to arrive at an actual feed rate in inches per minute for each dial position.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveDon't worry too much about the "numbers"
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPDon't worry about the numbers at all! Turn dials until you find the sweet spot. You'll know when you find it, because of the sound.
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYou guys put waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more thought in to welding than I do! Find the sweet spot, make a mark on the face plate, and go build something.
Reply:Originally Posted by BD1Hey, that's what she said !
Reply:http://www.hobartwelders.com/weldtal...ire-Feed-SpeedEd Conleyhttp://www.screamingbroccoli.com/MM252MM211 (Sold)Passport Plus & Spool gunLincoln SP135 Plus- (Gone to a good home)Klutch 120v Plasma cutterSO 2020 benderBeer in the fridge
Reply:Originally Posted by CEPYou guys put waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay more thought in to welding than I do! Find the sweet spot, make a mark on the face plate, and go build something.
Reply:Autoset. I just can't get my mind behind that! I don't like people telling me what to do, much less a welding machine. I want complete control over setting a welding machine. 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:Your volts are going to be a little different at the arc anyways. You're way over thinking it. How it welds is what matters.
Reply:Actually, I think in MIG the volts stay constant and the amps will change depending on wire size, rate of feed, stick out etc.  But, you are correct.  Welding I think is 5% knowing how to do it and 95% learning how to actually do it right!  We are talking skill, craft, art here!