Thank you for all the input - very helpful. The low-end meter I used was only AC amps and not RMS.
I posted the same question on weldingweb.com and what I came up with is that I need a meter that reads DC amps and is an RMS ammeter.
I looked high and low for a reasonably priced meter that had...
I have an AC/DC clamp on type Amp/Volt Meter and need to make sure a welder who is taking a test has his settings in the range to meet the WPS. He is using SMAW. I clamp the meter around the welder cable near the stinger and the readings I get are REALLY low. What am I doing wrong?