amp question...kinda

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i have a clake 180EN...heres a link to it.http://store.weldingdepot.com/cgi/we...ot/WE6524.htmli read a lot here to further better my skills. but, a lot of the time people mention what apmerage to use. my machine does not have a dial to select a number. instead i can make 6 choices....high and low, and 1, 2, or 3...so...my question is: how do i know what (or close enough) amps low 2 would be, or high 3? or whatever the combination might be???any one here use this machine? i really like it and it workes great. but i would like to know what amps i am using so i down have to guess a low high and a number to start...Lincoln Square Wave 175 TIGLincoln 110v flux core welder (my 1st)Clarke 180EN MIG
Reply:well, im going to answer my own question...minimum amps is 30 and max output is 180. so with basic math its really simple...now i feel dumb.low 1-30low 2-60low 3-90high 1-120high 2-150high 3-180lol...what a dumbyLincoln Square Wave 175 TIGLincoln 110v flux core welder (my 1st)Clarke 180EN MIG
Reply:Most of those small machines have a setting chart on the lid inside. I wouldn't worry about what the amp number actually is. On a Mig you are really setting voltage not amps, but again the number is meaning less if you can't use it as a reference. Each machine will weld slightly different. The setting that works on your machine for voltage and wire feed will be slightly different from what works best on mine, even with the same machine. I keep a small pad near the machine in the drawer and make notes of what thichness the material is and what the setting on my machine sems to work best for the position I am using. Then later I can refer to my notes and quickly reset the machine. As you weld more you will develop a "feel" on where to set the machine to start. Until then use the chart from the mfg.
Reply:Wire speed = ampsThe taps on your machine are volts.As you turn the wire speed up, your machine uses more Amps to weld.As you turn up the volts, it makes the wire burn off more or faster.With that machine, you set the tap, or volts or 1,2,3 in low or hi, then set the wire speed for the best arc.  You can dial the wire speed while you are welding.  watch the length of the arc and your puddle.  What ever works best is what you need.  Higher settings for thicker steel.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:thanks for the tips guys...Lincoln Square Wave 175 TIGLincoln 110v flux core welder (my 1st)Clarke 180EN MIG
Reply:Out of 4 machines that I use for mig only one has readouts for amps or volts. After a while you just get to where you know where to set it.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.