do I go by what's recommended on the packaging?

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Hello all, still new to stick welding. my question is, should I be going by the amp recommendations on the rod packaging. or is this a just a trail and error thing? thanks
Reply:When i was starting out and still when i try a new type of rod i start in the middle of the range and work from there. Some guys turn it up until the burn too hot then back off.Remember that it will also matter how thick the material is that you are welding.Good luck and have fun with it!GravelThe difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference.
Reply:Just find an amperage that the rod lights easy , and stays lit, and don't stick , and don't spatter and undercut .Once you find that your a master welder....
Reply:Good advice Gravel.bikercat, Just make sure you're using the correct rod for your machine, I burn a lot of Lincoln AC H8 Rods which work on AC/DC and strike easy on low OCV machines like old transformer welders.
Reply:Actual output varies from one machine to another, and different joints and applications require different heat,so we can't just say "use rod x at x amps". So you will always have a bit of trial and error on an unfamiliar machine.Ray, I was under the impression like older transformers like your Power-Kraft had a relatively high OCV compared to smaller, modern units?SqWave 200Millermatic 190Airco 200 ACHypertherm PM45Boice-Crane Band SawVictor O/A
Reply:Off course you don't follow the packaging recommendation.   Next you will be asking some stupid question like if you should read the owners manual that came with your welder!    Man-up alreadyTiger 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:thanks for all the replies, will try different methods to see what works. need to learn more about the terminology used tho.
Reply:I got buildings full of nice tools. I don't use some of them, even when I need them, cause real men wouldn't. I don't want to be a sissy! Does that sound stupid? Manuals are tools. Learn to use them. Seek to then use judgment to fine tune. Circumstances will vary, but recommended amperage is a good place to start.
Reply:The manufacturer gives you current and voltage settings that will make their product meet a specific set of design specifications, and using the product outside of those settings frees the manufacturer of any liability. Please note that the manufacturers settings are measured with calibrated gages and not the dial on your welder. In some instances you may have some friendly (?) assistance from the QA inspector and being found to not be in compliance with the specs could very easily be a career ender. With all that in mind most of the time you can just use the manufacturers information to get you close on the dial for amperage and voltage settings then tune as your growing field experience dictates. Please note that the manufacturers polarity spec and ac/dc rating is not just for reference and should be followed. Test weld as needed on scrap if your not sure of the settings. The generic rule for rod amperage is take the rod size, 1/8, and devide the numerator by the denominator, 1 devided by 8 = .125 that would be 125 amps to get you started if you don't have the manufacturers info. in hand. Good luck with your welding.
Reply:Originally Posted by BrazinActual output varies from one machine to another, and different joints and applications require different heat,so we can't just say "use rod x at x amps". So you will always have a bit of trial and error on an unfamiliar machine.Ray, I was under the impression like older transformers like your Power-Kraft had a relatively high OCV compared to smaller, modern units?
Reply:Definitely read/follow the package directions  MORON!!!!!!!!!!!I was painting something with a rattle can, and it wouldn't spray, so I looked at the directions.............Said:  "Shake well before using"SO I SHOOK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!K'kins had to take me to the hospital.  Sad thing was.......she almost got busted for spousal/significant other abuse  Shaken Baby Syndrome!!!!!!!!!!!!The DY-RECTIONS said Shake Well Before Using, not SHAKE THE CAN WELL BEFORE USING"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:. . . and I suppose you moved from your outdoor shop to the bathroom to do the paint job because it said "Use in a well ventilated area."? Is it rainin' up there?  Strange to see you posting in the middle of the work day Samm. MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55. . . and I suppose you moved from your outdoor shop to the bathroom to do the paint job because it said "Use in a well ventilated area."? Is it rainin' up there?  Strange to see you posting in the middle of the work day Samm.
Reply:Luckily, this coincided with Beer Nite.  So maybe it'll be all better in the morning........dunno (big shrug)Possibly the headache in the morning will outweigh the sharp pain in the knee.K'kins called from work to check on me.  Makes me feel like an old geezer needing constant watching.  Next thing ya know, I'll be falling for no good reason.  It's a slippery slope.  And I'm teetering on the edge  I mean out of the blue, and I'm a semi invalid........GEEZ"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/