Set welding rhythm for trellis and tools. See safe weld time and cooling breaks instantly. Keep projects steady, protect equipment, and reduce downtime greatly.
Use this for garden fabrication tasks like trellis brackets, cart repairs, or tool racks. Choose a mode, enter values, then submit to see results above the form.
The current estimate is a practical approximation using heat scaling with current squared and duty cycle. Always confirm against your machine chart and cable ratings.
Sample scenarios for common repair and fabrication work.
| Scenario | Inputs | Output |
|---|---|---|
| Trellis bracket tacks | Weld 2 min, Rest 3 min | Duty cycle ≈ 40% |
| Tool rack beads | Duty 60%, Cycle 10 min | Weld 6.00 min, Rest 4.00 min |
| Machine planning | 200 A at 35%, Target 60% | Estimated current ≈ 152 A |
Welding for garden infrastructure is often intermittent: tacking trellis brackets, fixing wheelbarrow frames, or building lightweight tool racks. Duty cycle converts that stop‑and‑go rhythm into a measurable percentage, helping you plan work blocks without overheating compact machines. This calculator turns weld time, rest time, and rating data into actionable limits you can follow on site.
Many welders publish ratings using a 10‑minute window. A 60% rating means six minutes of arc‑on time and four minutes of cooling within that window at the specified current. If you choose a different cycle duration, the percentage still represents the same ratio, while the allowed minutes scale with the cycle you enter. Using a consistent cycle also makes comparisons between settings straightforward.
Thermal load rises quickly with current, so increasing amperage can reduce allowable duty cycle even for short welds. The current estimate mode applies a common engineering approximation where heating is proportional to current squared and the duty fraction. Use this as a planning guide, then verify your specific model’s chart, cable size, and ambient conditions. Wind, sun exposure, and restricted airflow inside sheds can change cooling behavior.
Combine calculation results with practical pacing. Stage parts, clamp joints, and clean metal during rest periods so the welder cools while your productivity stays high. Keep leads uncoiled, connections tight, and vents clear of dust. For long seams on garden carts or frames, stitch weld in segments and rotate positions to spread heat across the assembly.
Consistent settings reduce rework and protect equipment. Exporting results to files creates a quick reference for future projects, especially when multiple people share a workshop. Record electrode or wire type, material thickness, and machine setting alongside the duty cycle output. Over time you can develop reliable presets for common tasks like trellis tabs, gate hinges, and repair patches. These notes support safer, faster work across seasons all.
It means you can weld 40% of the cycle and must rest 60%. On a 10‑minute cycle, that equals about 4 minutes welding and 6 minutes cooling at the rated current.
Ten minutes is common for nameplate ratings, so it helps comparisons. You can use other cycle lengths for planning; the percentage stays the same while the allowed minutes scale with the cycle.
Continuous welding is only appropriate when the machine is rated 100% duty cycle at the chosen current. Light tacks reduce heat, but monitor temperature and follow the manufacturer limits.
Higher current generates more heat in internal components and cables. To prevent overheating, the welder needs longer cooling time, which lowers the safe duty cycle at that amperage.
No. It uses a simplified thermal relationship to guide planning. Always confirm the result against your machine’s published chart, and consider ambient temperature, airflow, and cable condition.
Keep vents clear, avoid blocking airflow, and weld in shaded, ventilated areas when possible. Use rest periods for fit‑up and cleaning, and let the fan run before shutting the machine off.
Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.