Buzzbox arc welding

[BSing Lover]

Hey, Im about to get a Lincoln tombstone arc welder and I was wondering how you determine what amperage to set it on depending in the steel and thickness. Charts or links would be great, Thanks!

[Torin]

http://content.lincolnelectric.com//...r/im/IM237.pdf

It may not be your exact model, but it should be enough information to start with.

[Ron Hicks]

I think you get your amp settings from the size of rod you are using.
Im just learning myself maybe some of the Weldors here will help and post.
You know as many welding ? as there is it would be nice to have a Welding section.
Ron

[irnsrgn]

the general rule of thumb is the amperage is equal to the rod diameter in thousandts. 1/8 = .125 = 125 amps more or less.

[IronFist]

I agree with irnsrgn, but once you burn a few hundred rods, you will get your own feel for amperage considering your travel speed and thickness of material. Some people weld a bit faster/ slower than the other - nothing wrong with that at all. It's what works best for you, brother! Good luck.

[HWooldridge]

AC burns differently from DC also. Some buzzboxes will support both versions and some are AC only. In general, AC is best used for high current applications (like iron powder - 7014, 7024) and DC for the rest. However, AC works well enough for 90% of most general purpose work. You didn't ask but I like 6011 and 7014 as good all purpose rods, although some will vote for 6013 and 7018. Each has its own best use and fan base depending on what you learned on.