Need advice on thickness of metal to weld

[psient]

Hi:

Can anyone tell me: what is the thickest metal I should be able to SMAW weld (arc weld) with a 180 amp welder?

Thanks,

Jon

 

[towmotor]

That depends on the type of joint/ size of weld.

You can weld 3 inch plate with 120 amps- as long as you have beveled edges at the joint and make multiple passes.
Sure, it'll take a while, but it can be welded, and welded properly.

How much can 180 amps weld in a single pass ?

I suppose you could weld 1/2 plate, using 5/32 (or maybe 3/16) rod, at 180 amps-using no bevels and just a single pass, but even then your resulting weld won't carry the same load as the base material.

 

[psient]

That depends on the type of joint/ size of weld.

You can weld 3 inch plate with 120 amps- as long as you have beveled edges at the joint and make multiple passes.
Sure, it'll take a while, but it can be welded, and welded properly.

How much can 180 amps weld in a single pass ?

I suppose you could weld 1/2 plate, using 5/32 (or maybe 3/16) rod, at 180 amps-using no bevels and just a single pass, but even then your resulting weld won't carry the same load as the base material.

Thanks towmotor
I want to make a sub-soiler and I was thinking of using 1" plate for the tine. I would have to attach the tine to a yoke. I had thought the yoke would be 3/8".


Jon