Welding settings

ARCSET

Starting amps, volts, and wire speed for the job in front of you. Dial in on scrap.

Process

Metal

Thickness3 mm

Wire

Position

Amps

130

115–145 A

Volts

19.5

18.0–20.5 V

Wire speed

7.6

6.5–8.6 m/min

Consumable: ER70S-6 solid wire
Gas: Ar/CO₂ C20–C25 (UK MAG mix). 100% CO₂ digs deeper, more spatter.
Flow: 12–14 L/min
Polarity: DCEP (reverse) — electrode positive
Transfer: Globular / short-circuit edge. Stay short-circuit on C20–C25.
Stickout: 8–12 mm
Passes: Single pass on a square butt or fillet
Machine: Typical 240 V / 13 A hobby MIG

Shop notes

Stickout 8–12 mm (⅜"). Shorter stickout = more amps.
Listen for a tight bacon-fry. Long hiss = voltage high; stubbing = voltage low or wire fast.
Clean mill scale for the best puddle. C20–C25 is the usual UK MAG gas.

If the bead looks wrong

Tall, ropey bead
Voltage is low. Add 1 V, or slow the wire a hair.
Flat with undercut
Voltage is high. Drop 1 V and shorten stickout.
Spatter storm
Drop voltage, check C20–C25 flow, keep 8–12 mm stickout.
Burn-through
Drop 10 A / slow the wire, stitch weld, faster travel.

Figures are typical starting points from published Lincoln, Miller, and Hobart charts — not a WPS. Machines, gas, joint fit-up, and technique all move the puddle. Run a test bead on scrap and adjust before you weld anything that matters.