CWS

[BrokenBiker]

Just been looking at CWS 160i again and noticed it says now that it has a low output of 20 amps...

is that really going to be noticable compared to 30amps?

i only ever use .8 wire and just stitch weld anything thin so would it be noticeable?

 

[Tom Orrow L]

Not massive amounts of difference but it may be somewhat noticeable on some really thin stuff, 0.8MM wire for sticking will be fine at around 30A.

 

[Bill Edwards]

I only use 0.8 wire and I think my machine goes down to 30. Maybe it's because I'm mainly a stick welder but I can't say I ever really feel the desire to go any lower, it's not very common I have it on the lowest setting anyway. Usually a bit higher and very short bursts seems to work best for me.

 

[arther dailey]

just put a replacement panel on my brothers van, tec arc 181(second hand) , lowest setting is supposedly 20amp, used .6 wire, tacked all around, then infill with one inch seam weld . works for me.
everything else I use .8 wire. just find lowest setting and .6 is better for me, others prefer .8 if you have the option to try migging at 20amp you can try it, if you buy a 30 amp minimum machine ,well you cant!
So if you buy any machine with low setting you can always raise power if you dont get on with it.Arther

 

[oddbob]

My CWS is the older version, which I mostly use on thin sheet. I tend to set it a little above the minimum, 0.6 wire, It'll put a run down on 1mm with no problems. Can't say I've ever thought 'I wish it had a lower amp setting', but I'm sure it would be useful ...the new burnback control probably more so.