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Section 3 Operation
TUNGSTEN SHARPENING
•
Use a dedicated grinding wheel or contamination may result. Do not breath grinding dust! Wear eye protection and gloves.
•
Grip the Tungsten firmly.
•
Grind the Tungsten perpendicular to the wheel face. Allow tungsten to grind slowly without much pressure.
•
Rotate the Tungsten quickly as it is being ground to keep the point even and symmetrical.
•
Alternatively you may use a drill to hold the Tungsten. Rotate slowly.
•
Do not grind the Tungsten parallel to wheel face or an unstable arc will result.
•
Use a point for low amp use to help control arc. Create a slight truncation on the tip for higher amp use for best arc stability.
Grind the tip so that it is 2.5
-
3 times longer than the tungsten is wide (Diameter).
•
Do not ball the Tungsten while welding, or an erratic arc will result. Make sure that the grinding marks run parallel to the tip.
Concentric marks will also cause an erratic arc.
>50 A
<50 A
2.5
–
3
X Ø (DIAMETER)
TUNGSTEN SELECTION
This unit is an inverter based welder. Tungsten types traditionally used in a Transformer machine do not work well and have issues
with melting and splitting. Pure Tungsten (Green) should never be used with this unit. Zirconiated is not for use with this welder
either. Thoriated 2% (Red) Tungsten works well with DC Inverters and is still the standard in the USA, but does have some low
level radiation concerns as an alpha emitter, and is falling in popularity as new options have entered the market. Its use has been
restricted or banned in many countries.
Consider the following tungsten types for use in this welder if Thoriated tungsten is of concern or not an option:
•
Lanthanated 2% (Blue). Excellent choice for DC. Holds up good to higher inputs. Best for use in Power
-
Set mode at extreme
Amps. Excellent arc starts. 1.5% works well, and in some tests lasts nearly as well as the 2% form of Lanthanated Tungsten.
•
Ceriated 2% (Orange or Gray). Works well with DC. Performance begins to fade at higher Amps. Great arc starts at low amps.
•
Rare Earth or Tri
-
Mix (Purple). Generally great and holds good point. However some quality issues have been reported with wide
range of allowable percentages of rare earths. Primary rare earth component is usually an 1.5% oxided form of Lanthanum
(Lanthanated). Secondary rare earths are usually Zirconia and Ceria oxides ranging from .04 to .08% composition. Some
feature Yttrium as a secondary component. Use only quality, well known sources.
Summary of Contents for ULTRA-ARC 205
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