22
EVERLAST
Section 3
Getting started
continued
tungsten sharpness is important. Refer to
the following diagram to correctly sharpen
a Tungsten electrode. Notice the incorrect
way of sharpening an electrode. Radially
sharpening an electrode will cause an un-
stable, wandering arc, making it difficult to
control the weld puddle. Carefully rotate the
tungsten as it is being ground to prevent a
flat spot or a hollow ground point. Also
note that tapering the tungsten to 2.5 X’s of
its diameter is generally recommended
for most DC welding applications. For
higher amperage DC welding, do not over
sharpen the point, but leave a slight trunca-
tion on the end of the electrode. This pre-
vents the tungsten tip from breaking away
and falling into the weld. When AC welding,
a small ball may form. This is normal. How-
ever, if a large globular ball begins to form,
re-sharpen the tungsten and adjust the AC
balance. It is also normal for a slight dome
to form on the tungsten in DC mode. How-
ever, if the arc becomes erratic or the arc is
difficult to start, regrinding will be neces-
sary. If the tungsten is accidentally dipped
into the weld puddle, re-grind the tungsten,
particularly on aluminum. Grind tungstens
only on a dedicated stone, free of contami-
nation from other metals. Hand held tung-
sten grinders usually grind perfect points.
Once the tungsten has been sharpened,
install it into the torch, with approximately
3.10. Filler Rod Selection. Depending
upon the metal to be welded, filler rod
selection is critical. Consult with your lo-
cal welding supplier for the optimum filler
rod to properly complete the weld. In cer-
tain applications, TIG welding can be per-
formed without the use of a filler rod.
3.11 Beginning the TIG weld. One of the
biggest issues for beginning welders is
holding and maintaining an arc. Starting
an arc with your High Frequency Everlast
welder is quite simple. Select the machine
for TIG operation. Then, select the desired
amperage. Grip the torch in a manner
that is comfortable to you. (Many skilled
welders use an underhanded grip to
steady themselves on the metal.) Place
the torch so that the tungsten is no more
than 1/8 inch from the weld surface. De-
pending upon the setup, either press the
foot pedal down or touch the torch and
hold (2T setting. See section 2.13) the
trigger to initiate the high frequency arc.
A small blue glowing cone may be ob-
served. This is the high frequency arc.
Immediately after that, you should see a
strong, stable arc flowing from the torch.
As the arc begins to grow, a molten pud-
dle will appear. If it does not appear, stop
welding and increase the amperage. Re-
peat the start sequence.
For the following, reference illustration
3.11a on the next page.
1. To help the molten puddle form, slowly
make small circles with the torch to build
the heat in the weld area. A bright, fluid
puddle will begin to form.
2. Once a uniform puddle is established,
tilt the torch head about 75 degrees from
the weld surface into the direction of the
weld. This will direct the arc to the front
of the weld puddle.
3. Grip the filler rod at a 15 degree angle
to the weld surface with the other hand.
Hold the rod in the iridescent cone of gas
that surrounds the weld puddle. Do not
hold it in the arc. Keep it close to the
Image 3.9b Tungsten Sharpening
For use with DC lower than 20 Amps.
Sharpen point to 2.5 times the diameter.
For use with AC or DC higher than 20 Amps.
Image 3.9c
Summary of Contents for POWER DIGITAL SERIES
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