Not sure if this has been discussed here or not, but figured I'd share. Best thing since sliced bread, especially for a welder just getting started.

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mill...452837820?mt=8
or
https://play.google.com/store/apps/d...ingscalc&hl=en

 

I tried this like 3 years ago and it sucked.
I found using the chart on the machine and tuning from that was the best / quickest way to go.

Another thing i do is keep my phone in my box while i'm welding because i'm usually grinding and the grinding dust absolutely wrecks speakers in phones.

 

General rules, fine tune from here.

Steel- 1 amp for every .001 material thickness
Aluminum - 1.6 amp for every .001 material thickness

If MIG, then adjust wire speed to a smooth sizzling sound.

Deep fat fryer sound (intermittent popping )= wire too slow
Pushing your torch away from workpiece = wire too fast

Gas, same flow rate for all
Steel 25/75 Co2/Argon. 25 cfm or about 25 psi.
Aluminum 100% Argon or Argon /Helium mix - helium can help an underpowered machine
Stainless steel- Tri mix 2.5/7.5/90 Co2 Helium Argon

Excuse and correct any gas error, it's too early. I'll confirm later.

 

Gas recommendations are good for MIG. But for TIG you should use 100% argon most of the time. I've heard about adding helium for aluminum. But definitely don't use 25/75 for tig.

 

I should have made clear, my above recommendations are for mig.