how do you calc the amperage for stick welding

[Toyoda]

My teacher taught us a formula that would get you real close to the amperage setting for stick welding, does anyone know what it was?

[Pin Head]

Use the decimal diameter of the rod x 1000 to estimate the amps.
1/8 = .125 = 125 amps.
3/32 = .094 = 94 amps.

[Just-fabricate-it]

I assume you are asking about the amperage required to weld a particular thickness of steel. The general rule of thumb (where to start if you don't have a clue) on MIG is 1 amp for every .001 in metal thickness. That will probably work for stick welding also.

For stick welders the range for 1/8" 6010/6011 DC+ is 75-125 amps. 6013 rod has a recommended range of 80-130 amps. (per The Procedure Handbook of Arc Welding from Lincoln Electric). The book has a whole table on the various rods/sizes and their amperage ranges.

[jasonmt]

The formula is a good starting point for 7018 but it is high for many other electrodes. Generally the boxes are marked as well for polarity and amperage:

[rckcrwlr87]

I'm in a welding class right now and we haved used 6010 and I don't think anybody in the class has gotten anywhere close to 125 that is just way too hot for 6010, and 75 is way low. about 85-105 is the perfect range for 6010. As for 7018 you have to get up around like 160-170 for it to be too hot and that is with 1/8" electrode. I've found that around 120-125 is good for 7018 for both 1/8" electrode and whatever the smaller size is for 7018.