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English
11
The ARC CONTROL dial sets the short circuit current
(arc force) during stick welding to adjust for a soft or
crisp arc. Increasing the dial from –10 (soft) to +10
(crisp) increases the short circuit current and prevents
sticking of the electrode to the plate while welding. This
can also increase spatter. It is recommended that the
ARC CONTROL be set to the minimum number without
electrode sticking. Start with a setting at 0.
DOWNHILL PIPE (STICK) Welding
The DOWNHILL PIPE position of the MODE switch is a
slope controlled setting intended for "out-of-position" and
"down hill" pipe welding where the operator would like to
control the current level by changing the arc length.
The OUTPUT CONTROL dial adjusts the full output
range for stick welding. The ARC CONTROL dial sets
the short circuit current (arc-force) during stick welding to
adjust for a soft or a more forceful digging arc(crisp).
Increasing the number from –10 (soft) to +10 (crisp)
increases the short circuit current which results in a
more forceful digging arc. Typically a forceful digging
arc is preferred for root and hot passes. A softer arc is
preferred for fill and cap passes where weld puddle
control and deposition ("stacking" of iron) are key to fast
travel speeds. It is recommended that the ARC
CONTROL be set initially at 0.
TIG WELDING
The TOUCH START TIG setting of the MODE switch is
for DC TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. To initiate a
weld, the OUTPUT CONTROL dial is first set to the
desired current and the tungsten is touched to the work.
During the time the tungsten is touching the work there
is very little voltage or current and, in general, no
tungsten contamination. Then, the tungsten is gently
lifted off the work in a rocking motion, which establishes
the arc.
To stop the arc, simply lift the TIG torch away from the
work piece. When the arc voltage reaches
approximately 30 volts, the arc will go out and the
machine will automatically reset to the touch start current
level. The tungsten may then be retouched to the work
piece to restrike the arc. The arc may also be started
and stopped with an Amptrol or Arc Start Switch. See
the following paragraphs.
TYPICAL CURRENT RANGES
(1)
FOR TUNGSTEN ELECTRODES
(2)
Tungsten Electrode
Diameter (mm)
DCEN (-)
DCEP (+)
Approximate Argon Gas Flow
Flow Rate C.F.H. (l/min)
TIG TORCH
Nozzle Size (4), (5)
1%, 2% Thoriated
Tungsten
1%, 2% Thoriated
Tungsten
Aluminum
Stainless Steel
.25
.50
1.0
1.6
2.4
3.2
4.0
4.8
6.4
2-15
5-20
15-80
70-150
150-250
250-400
400-500
500-750
750-1000
(3)
(3)
(3)
10-20
15-30
25-40
40-55
55-80
80-125
3-8
5-10
5-10
5-10
13-17
15-23
21-25
23-27
28-32
(2-4)
(3-5)
(3-5)
(3-5)
(6-8)
(7-11)
(10-12)
(11-13)
(13-15)
3-8
5-10
5-10
9-13
11-15
11-15
13-17
18-22
23-27
(2-4)
(3-5)
(3-5)
(4-6)
(5-7)
(5-7)
(6-8)
(8-10)
(11-13)
#4, #5, #6
#5, #6
#6, #7, #8
#8, #10
(1) When used with argon gas. The current ranges shown must be reduced when using argon/helium or pure helium shielding gases.
(2) Tungsten electrodes are classified as follows by the American Welding Society (AWS):
Pure EWP
1%Thoriated EWTh-1
2%Thoriated EWTh-2
Though not yet recognized by the AWS, Ceriated Tungsten is now widely accepted as a substitute for 2% Thoriated Tungsten in AC and
DC applications.
(3) DCEP is not commonly used in these sizes.
(4) TIG torch nozzle "sizes" are in multiples of 1/16ths of an inch:
# 4 = 6 mm
# 5 = 8 mm
# 6 = 10 mm
# 7 = 11 mm
# 8 = 12.5 mm
#10 = 16 mm
(5) TIG torch nozzles are typically made from alumina ceramic. Special applications may require lava nozzles, which are less prone to
breakage, but cannot withstand high temperatures and high duty cycles.
