New Welder

[vmaximus]

Hi chaps, just received a new welder today, a Thermal Arc SE175 inverter welder. I am a occasional Diyer and my first impressions are very positive with this m/c but what I want to know is, do inverter welders need less amps to weld than my old 30 odd year old Cebora buzz box. The reason I am asking is because I have tried it out on 2mm s/steel plate using Oerlicon 2.5mm 316 rods but had to turn the amps down from 80 to 50ish amps to get decent welds without it blowing through, also I used 3.2mm Oerlikon 6013 rods on 3mm mild steel and had to turn down to about 80 amps for the same reason. On my Cebora I used to use around 80 amps for the 2.5mm rods and 100 amps for 3.2mm, is the above settings about right for this type of welder. I know that I will have to play about with it some more and get used to it but am I on the right track. Thanks in advance for any info. Pud.

 

[rtbcomp]

The buzz box gives an AC output whereas the inverter will be DC. With DC 75% of the heat is concentrated at the +ve electrode, whereas AC delivers 50%. Also the amps setting on the Cebora will be a ballpark figure, the inverter will be more accurate.

 

[vmaximus]

Jeez, that was a quick reply, i had that same thought myself but wasn't sure. The Cebora only had tippex marks on the side for the amp guide where the paint peeled off years ago but I just thought that the amps seemed a bit low on the new welder. Thanks. Pud.

 

[rtbcomp]

My Cebora's the same, but I've used marker pen.

 

[vmaximus]

It don't matter what you mark it with, once the pointer's been moved its only a good guess. My old Cebora has had some hammer over the last 30 odd years ,dropped umpteen times, hit with the car, took to bits and its still going strong but I shall put it to bed and save it for a spare now I have my new toy. Pud.