question on stick welding amp settings

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I have been welding for quite a few years, it is about 25 percent of my job, I consider my self a decent welder, BUT I have never really paid attention to any of the recommended amp settings to rod size charts, I have always just grabbed a piece of scrap about the same thickness of what I am getting ready to weld at the time and I run a bead and see how it looks and adj the settings that way, I have seemed to do pretty good that way, I have never really had any problems doing it that way.My question is, should I try to make it a habit to go by the chart? or is it one of those things that hardly any body does, do you go by the chart?
Reply:Originally Posted by schermdI have been welding for quite a few years, it is about 25 percent of my job, I consider my self a decent welder, BUT I have never really paid attention to any of the recommended amp settings to rod size charts, I have always just grabbed a piece of scrap about the same thickness of what I am getting ready to weld at the time and I run a bead and see how it looks and adj the settings that way, I have seemed to do pretty good that way, I have never really had any problems doing it that way.My question is, should I try to make it a habit to go by the chart? or is it one of those things that hardly any body does, do you go by the chart?
Reply:Originally Posted by schermdI have been welding for quite a few years, it is about 25 percent of my job, I consider my self a decent welder, BUT I have never really paid attention to any of the recommended amp settings to rod size charts, I have always just grabbed a piece of scrap about the same thickness of what I am getting ready to weld at the time and I run a bead and see how it looks and adj the settings that way, I have seemed to do pretty good that way, I have never really had any problems doing it that way.My question is, should I try to make it a habit to go by the chart? or is it one of those things that hardly any body does, do you go by the chart?
Reply:The rod amp charts are good to get you started. After setting somewhere near the "recommended" amps find where the rod runs best for you.Airco Ac/Dc 300 HeliwelderMillerMatic 200 (stolen)Miller Maxstar 150STLMiller AEAD200LE (welding and generating power) Hobart MIG
Reply:Welder Mike, I figured there would be somebody giving a smart a## answer I see you are the type that likes to bash people.I am a very decent welder, I don't really give a sh%# what you thinkIf I wasn't a decent welder I doubt my customers would be letting me weld on there heavy haul equipment.I just wanted to get a little bit of feedback from others, at least I am not afraid to ask dumb questions.Last edited by schermd; 08-14-2013 at 11:22 PM.
Reply:I'm on board with knowing the recommended setting range and then dialing from there based on the position, thickness, difference in your machine, etc.Then I just use the same setting each time (I write it down if I need to).  Saves time.Dave J.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:Originally Posted by schermdWelder Mike, I figured there would be somebody giving a smart a## answer I see you are the type that likes to bash people.I am a very decent welder, I don't really give a sh%# what you thinkIf I wasn't a decent welder I doubt my customers would be letting me weld on there heavy haul equipment.I just wanted to get a little bit of feedback from others, at least I am not afraid to ask dumb questions.
Reply:Originally Posted by schermdWelder Mike, I figured there would be somebody giving a smart a## answer I see you are the type that likes to bash people.I am a very decent welder, I don't really give a sh%# what you thinkIf I wasn't a decent welder I doubt my customers would be letting me weld on there heavy haul equipment.I just wanted to get a little bit of feedback from others, at least I am not afraid to ask dumb questions.
Reply:You are not alone on not going by the numbers on the box for your amps. I rarely ever look at the settings on my machine just go by what the puddle and slag is telling me. The couple times I have checked my amps against the recommendations on the box I have been within the min/max for the electrode.Ranger 250 thick stuffHobart Handler 140 not thick stuffthe pane and oxy setup