How to Set Welding Wire Speed and Voltage

When you set the welding wire speed and voltage for a job, it can be the most frustrating part of welding. Setting the two that work together to find the proper characteristic of arc that you want is a process that varies from machine to machine. You need to learn the machine as well as how to set the two.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Know that you have to balance the two settings. When you change the welding wire speed, you also need to change the voltage. The two have to be directly opposite each other.

2. Begin by moving the wire speed slowly. You also need to change the voltage. Any time you change the types of materials that you work with, you always need to change the two.

3. Adjust the voltage downward or upward when you change materials. This doesn't give the type of arc that you want unless you also change the wire speed. Remember that the two go hand in hand. Move one and move the second in graduated steps.

4. Test weld each time you increase or decrease either the wire speed or voltage in order to balance the change of the other. If you've been incrementally increasing the second, at one point you can find the right combination.

5. Remember that if the wire speed is too low, it causes spattering and a bad weld. If it's too high compared to the voltage, you feel knocking in the welding torch.