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SPOOL GUN WELDING OPERATION
• Plug in the Welder and move the Power Switch at the Upper Rear Panel to the “ON” position.
• Set the MIG Gun/Spool Gun Selector located on the Front Panel by pressing the Button to select to the Spool Gun Mode
(FIG 17).
• Connect the ground clamp to the work pieces that are to be welded. Make sure the ground clamp contacts are placed on a clean piece of metal free of
paint, grease, oils, corrosion etc. It is recommended to place the ground clamp as close to the weld area as possible. Aluminum has a layer of oxide on
the surface that should be removed prior to welding.
• Open the valve on the Argon shielding gas bottle and adjust the flow rate if necessary.
• Depress the Spool Gun trigger for a few seconds pointing the welding gun away from your body and then let go of the trigger and cut the wire back to
~3/4” stick-out length.
• Using the Welding Face Shield or welding helmet, gloves, and long sleeve shirt and pants, put the end of the wire sticking out of the Spool Gun into
the joint to be welded.
• Position the Spool Gun so that it is perpendicular to the base metal with 10-15° angle in the direction of push travel.
• Depress the trigger to start the wire feed which starts the arc.
NOTE:
When welding aluminum with a Spool Gun it is recommended to use a push
technique. Using a drag technique will result in poor, dirty welds.
• When welding aluminum a spray arc transfer is preferred rather than short arc transfer that can be more commonly used on steels. This method involves
using a longer wire stick out (~3/4”). When the Welder settings and technique have been dialed in the spray arc transfer should create a hissing sound
and little or no spatter. Once positioned the trigger can be pulled and the weld started.
• Release the trigger on the Spool Gun to stop the weld.
• After welding is completed, close the valve completely on the Shielding Gas Bottle, turn Power Switch to the “OFF” position and unplug Welder.
