Welder Output Amps

[zendriver]

I have a self darkening welder helmet that has shade adjustment knob. There is a chart for it's shade setting based on welding method and arc current, in amps.

What is the way to determine about how many amps the welder would be using?


Thanks

 

[strutaeng]

It depends on the welding process and what you are welding. Automotive sheet metal welding?

Different weld output than welding 2" structural steel plate.

 

[PCustoms]

I have a self darkening welder helmet that has shade adjustment knob. There is a chart for it's shade setting based on welding method and arc current, in amps.

What is the way to determine about how many amps the welder would be using?


Thanks

Isn't there a chart on the welder door?

When in doubt, turn the helmet up and then slowly back the setting down.

 

[zendriver]

It depends on the welding process and what you are welding. Automotive sheet metal welding?

Different weld output than welding 2" structural steel plate.

It would be flux wire on some scrap sheet metal or thin angle pieces.

Just starting out, mostly.

 

[Wamsutta]

What is the way to determine about how many amps the welder would be using?

Have somebody look at the readout as you're welding. Assuming that you have a digital readout on the machine.

 

[zendriver]

Isn't there a chart on the welder door?

When in doubt, turn the helmet up and then slowly back the setting down.

yes but I could find nothing that referred to amps. It's a MigMax

 

[zendriver]

Have somebody look at the readout as you're welding. Assuming that you have a digital readout on the machine.

No digital readout.

 

[PCustoms]

yes but I could find nothing that referred to amps. It's a MigMax

What's your range on the helmet?

Likely set it to 10 and adjust from there.

One thing, so I've read, is the helmet always blocks the dangerous UV. You might get flashed it it doesn't darken, but it's not permanent.

 

[Jack Ryan]

It is just a guide, different people have different sensitivities to brightness.



This table gives a range, and it is pretty wide. You could start with 11 and work down.

The shade adjusts the brightness of the ARC, not the UV content. The UV content should be removed irrespective of the shade.

It is a matter of comfort, not burning your eyes.

Jack

 

[zendriver]

What's your range on the helmet?

Likely set it to 10 and adjust from there.

One thing, so I've read, is the helmet always blocks the dangerous UV. You might get flashed it it doesn't darken, but it's not permanent.

Shade range is 9-13 Amps range 10-500 depending on welding method

 

[PCustoms]

Shade range is 9-13 Amps range 10-500 depending on welding method

Set it to 11 (hehe) and dial it in from there.

Get a good light close to your work, or fancy flashlights mounted to your helmet. Makes a world of difference.

 

[American Locomotive]

The welding helmet always provides complete UV protection - even when it's not dimmed! The shade selection setting is just a comfort/preference thing. I usually like it pretty bright - juuuusst dark enough so I can see the puddle.

 

[bb29510]

just play with it, on 7018 at about 120 amps, I like 10, if im tig welding then 13

 

[Jswain]

Download the miller welding app. Not to use it for your settings but it will give you an amperage range for the material thickness. Then you'll have an idea how many amps you're welding with if you're sticking with the door chart on your machine

It won't be exact but a ballpark

 

[jar944]

Just adjust it to your preference.

 

[speed bump]

I'm not sure I've ever run it at anything other than 9 or 10. Unless I was doing a lot of work with the welder cranked up I don't think I would ever change it either.

 

[dnschmidt]

This setting is very much dependent upon your eyesight. I have very light insensitive eyes so I need a lower setting to see anything than most people do. Typically for MIG I'm somewhere between 8 and 9. For TIG between 9 and 10.

 

[GaryM909]

When I was working in shops I used #11 all day long for Mig, Tig, Stick. I would use a #12 for Dual shield. Outside I used a #9. In my garage at home I use #9 or #10.
I have worked with people that are using #12 or #13 in the shops and others using #9 for everything. Everybody is different. If you are seeing light spots or if your eyes get sore you will need a higher # shade. #10 is a good starting point.

 

[welder4956]

Assuming you are using MIG since there is no amp control, just wire feed speed. The knob on most hobby welders only has settings from 1 thru 10, so to estimate wire feed speed you would need to cut the wire flush with the contact tip, pull the trigger for 5 seconds, measure the inches of wire past the contact tip, then multiply by 12 to get the number of inches per minute. Once you have the wire feed speed, you can estimate amps from the chart below:



However, the shade selection is really a matter of comfort as others have stated. Start with a shade setting of 10 and adjust from there. If it's too dark, go lighter. If you start experiencing eye discomfort after welding all day, go darker.