Travel Speed
The electrode should be moved along in the direction of the joint
being welded at a speed that will give the size of run required.
At the same time, the electrode is fed downwards to keep the
correct arc length at all times. Excessive travel speeds lead to
poor fusion and lack of penetration. While too slow a rate of travel
will frequently lead to arc instability,slag inclusions and poor
mechanical properties.
Electricity
The electricity flows through the electrode cable to the attached
electrode. The electricity will not leave the electrode unless it
touches an earthed object.
Electricity always finds the fastest path to the earth. When the
earth cable clamp is connected to the metal work piece a direct
earth connection is created back to the welder. When the electrode
makes contact with the earthed work piece an arc is created. The
electricity flows through the electrode, the metal work piece and
then through the earth cable straight back to the welder.
Earth Clamp
Prior to connecting the earth clamp it may be necessary to clean
the surface of the work piece using the metal brush. Attach the
earth clamp firmly to the work piece ensuring there is good metal
to metal contact. Clamp it where it will not be in the way. This
clamp provides an earth connection back to the welder. Always
ensure the welder is disconnected from the power supply before
attaching electrodes into the holder.
8. TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom
Possible
Cause
Suggested Solution
No Power
On/off switch
is off
Check on/off switch is in the on
position.
Power supply
fault
Test power supply with another
product, avoid using extension
leads.
Circuit breaker
tripped
Check the rating of the circuit
breaker on the supply and other
appliances connected to the
circuit.
The welder is a high power
device and it is recommended
that it is the only appliance
on the circuit to ensure it has
enough power to operate.
Difficulty
starting arc
Incorrect
settings
or cable
connection
Check earth and electrode cables
are in the correct terminals.
Check cable connections to
welder are secure, rotate
clockwise until firm.
Inadequate
earth clamp
connection
Check earth clamp has good
connection to material being
welded. Surface for clamp
connections needs to be bare
metal, remove rust or paint.
Welding
technique
Hold electrode at correct angle,
practice on scrap material.
Welder cuts
out
Thermal
overload
active
The thermal overload light will
light up and the welder will not
operate until cooled down and
the light goes out. This is normal
in heavy welding, allow the unit
to cool down.
Poor welding
Incorrect or
wet welding
electrodes
Select electrode type to suit
material, electrodes need to be
dry.
Sticking
electrode
Incorrect
current
Increase current to
recommended setting.
Coated work
piece
Clean weld area to bare metal.
Incorrect
electrode type
and/or size
Check that the electrode type
and size is appropriate for the
material being welded.
Damaged
electrode
Replace electrode with new rod.
Excessive
welding
electrode
consumption
Welding
current too
high
Reduce welding current.
Electrode size
too small for
material
Change to larger electrode size.
WARNING!
THE WELDER SHOULD ONLY BE SERVICED
BY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.
