How much Tweeking is enough?

I was having a look-see at the Lincoln 225/125 AC/DC welder and am also looking at the Miller Thunderbolt (aka: Hobart Stickmate) and have a question.

The Miller/Hobart have a variable amperage adjustment via a screw mechanism. The Lincoln has fixed adjustments. On the AC side they run from 20A on the low, 15A in the mid and 25A on the high side. The DC has 15A increments.

Soooo, when you are "tweeking" your welder, are you doing it in - say 15ish amp increments or larger or smaller? If so - how much?

Thanks!
Bill

I mentioned ambient temp as it matters to me if it's winter or summer. I know the melting stick is 100x hotter than the ambient, but cold days are harder to keep the torch lit, for me anyway. Lots of sticking with the low amperage it takes to weld tubing.

Mark

For stick welding either machine will preform well. The Lincoln lacks some DC 25a vs the Miller which may be of concern as your welding ability progresses.

For Tig welding then the Miller thunder bolt has a clear advantage as it has a infinte amperage adjustment for best amperage control. A 15a step up is alot for Tig welding especillay while welding thinn metals.

I'm not a Hobart fan, nerver will be and you can't make me and I could care less if Miller now makes Hobart. I've been burnt too many times trying to get a Hobart to run correct and last without breaking down.

Keep in mind if you have been using a high quality Lincoln or Miller machine, don't expect a $400 machine to have the same arc stability but to have a machine good enough for a home shop/farm use.

I have both machines and they both do want I want, burn less than 10# of rods a year with certified weld results but I also have a extensive background in welding that helps with the lacking of the machines ability.

T_Bone