Typical Welding Parameters

Broad ranged reference intended to offer a starting point for dialing in welding parameters.

GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), Aka MIG

Spray Transfer

Wire Size Volts Amps
.035″ 26-32 175-240 HH
.045” 28-33 225-350
1/16” 28-33 240-400
3/32” 30-35 275-500

Short Circuit

Wire Size Volts Amperage
.035” 19-21 90-120
.045” 20-22 110-140
.062 22-24 165-200

FCAW (Flux Core Arc Welding)

Wire Size Volts Amps
.045” 20-26 125-250
1/16” 23-29 200-325
3/32” 30-36 450-700
1/8” 36-41 650-1000

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), Aka Stick

Electrode Day. Amps
3/32” 50-90
1/8” 70-125
5/32” 100-175
3/16” 150-225
1/4″ 250-300
3/8″ 450-600
1/2″ 800-950
5/8” 800-1500
3/4” 1200-2100

GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), Aka TIG

Use direct current, straight polarity (DC-). Adjust the amperage according to the base metal thickness and tungsten diameters. Copper based materials may require significantly higher amps due to their strong thermal conductivity.