SUNSTONE Orion M Series, User Manual, Page: 11 / 20

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electrode is to push down on the electrode with your index finger while twisting the electrode with the thumb and
middle finger .
•
Once the electrode is sharp and clean, turn the Dremel off and insert the electrode back into the stylus as explained
above .
*As a general rule of thumb we recommend a freshly sharpened electrode anytime a new work piece is being welded .
*See Chapter 5 for additional information on the Tungsten Electrodes
WHEN TO FLATTEN/BLUNT THE ELECTRODE
When working with silver, copper, and other highly conductive metals in energy levels above 20ws, it is
recommended to blunt the electrode instead of sharpening it .
•
Completely remove the electrode from the stylus .
•
Pinch the electrode between the thumb and middle finger with the point facing inward .
•
Turn the Dremel or flex shaft on then hold it with the opposite hand . *Place the electrode tip in the diamond
disc in such a way that the grit of the disk is moving parallel with the electrode shaft and moving towards the
tip .
•
This will affect the quality of the weld if not done as explained above .
•
Set the electrode on the diamond disk at a 10-degree angle and begin to spin the electrode with the thumb
and middle finger . *A helpful way to get a sharp electrode is to push down on the electrode with your index
finger while twisting the electrode with the thumb and middle finger .
•
Once the electrode is sharp and clean, turn the electrode to a 90-degree angle and push it against the
dremel in order to place a flat/blunt tip on the electrode .
•
Once the electrode has a flat/blunt tip, turn the Dremel off and insert the electrode back into the stylus as
explained above .
Shielding Gas Setup
During the pulse-arc welding process high temperature plasma quickly melts metal into a molten pool . As the weld is
performed, a small amount of shielding gas is released through the weld stylus to prevent oxygen from entering the molten
pool . After the weld has occurred the protective gas turns off .
If oxygen from the air enters this molten pool, the result is a metal oxide that is brittle, porous and burnt-looking . Protective
shielding gas is used, such as 99 .996% pure Argon (Argon 4 .6) or higher, to prevent these effects . Shielding gas is necessary
to produce clean and repeatable pulse-arc welds . We recommend high purity argon . This can be purchased at your local
welding supply shop .
PRESSURIZED GAS SAFETY
There are several important rules that should be followed when using a compressed shielding gas such as argon .
•
Always secure the pressurized gas tank to a fixed location (such as a sturdy table
leg) . If the pressurized gas cylinder were to tip and become damaged there is
possibility that the tank could become rocket-like, expelling the high pressure
shielding gas as propellant .
•
Always turn off the shielding gas at the main valve when finished . This will help your
shielding gas supply last longer in case there is a small leak in the tubing . This is also
a good safety practice . If the tube becomes dislodged shielding gas could fill the
room and displace oxygen, which can lead to suffocation . Argon is heavier than air
and will fill the room from the bottom upward . If you experience a large shielding
gas leak, open all of the doors and windows in the room .