10
Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.544.5118 >> [email protected]
TROuBLESHOOTING
Problem
Cause
Fix
Incomplete Circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a
freshly cleaned surface and close to the welding area. It is
suggested to weld towards the ground connection.
Incorrect Tungsten
Consult chart for proper tungsten for the base metal being
welded. In most cases Pure Tungsten will be for aluminum
and Thoriated will be for steel.
No shielding gas
Make sure the shielding gas cylinder is turned all the way
open and set at the correct flow rate.
Wrong Polarity
Make sure polarity is set for the correct material. AC should
be used for aluminum while DC should be used for steel.
Poorly prepped tungsten
Follow guidelines for prepping tungsten.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Contaminated Tungsten
Remove tungsten from torch and break off contaminated
section and resharpen.
Incorrect arc length
Make sure the tungsten is held 1/8 to 1/4 inch off the work
piece.
Incomplete circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a
freshly cleaned surface and close to the welding area. It is
suggested to weld towards the ground connection.
Contaminated base metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture. If base metal is aluminum make sure all
of the oxide is removed using either a dedicated stainless
brush or flap wheel.
Incorrect Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift more negative on the Clearance Effect knob so less heat
is going into the tungsten.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Contaminated filler metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or
moisture.
Contaminated base metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture.
Poor Shielding
Make sure to be in an area with no wind and with any fans
turned off. Wind or fans will blow the shielding gas away from
the weld causing porosity.
Incorrect Tungsten Stick Out
Adjust the tungsten so that 1/8 to 1/4in is sticking out of the
collet.
Contaminated Tungsten
Remove tungsten from torch and break off contaminated
section and resharpen.
Contaminated Filler Metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or
moisture.
Contaminated Base Metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture. If base metal is aluminum make sure all
of the oxide is removed using either a dedicated stainless
brush or flap wheel.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Improper Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift more negative on the Clearance Effect knob so less heat
is going into the tungsten.
Wrong Size Tungsten
Increase tungsten diameter. Refer to chart for proper sizing.
Not enough post flow
Increase post flow time to allow the gas to cool the tungsten.
Incorrect Shielding Gas
Only use 100% Argon when TIG Welding.
Low Voltage
Voltage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as
needed and reference chart on welder.
Incorrect Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift the clearance effect more to the negative side as this will
transfer more heat to the material being welded.
Poor Penetration (Steel)
Low Voltage
Voltage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as
needed and reference chart on welder.
Tungsten Contaminated
Contact of Tungsten with Base
Metal
Keep tungsten 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the base metal. If
tungsten comes in contact break off end and resharpen
immediately.
Poor Weld Appearance
Incorrect positioning
The angle between the filler metal and the torch must be less
than 90 degrees other wise the filler metal will prematurely
melt and glob off causing poor weld appearance.
Insuficcient Shielding
Keep the torch on the base metal while the post flow
shielding gas flows to protect and cool the metal and
tungsten.
Not Enough Filler Material
Reduce current with pedel and add more filler at end of weld.
It may also be benfical to back step to ensure no crater will
form.
Too much heat in material
Reduce heat and allow more time between passes.
Base Metal is absorbing too much
heat
Preheat base metal (consult welding codes for requirments)
Incorrect Filler Wire
Reduce filler wire size.
Insufficent Clamping
Clamp work piece tightly and weld while clamps are in place.
Insufficent Tack Welds
Add more tack welds until rigidity and stiffness is developed.
Too Much Heat in Material
To reduce heat it is best to spread the welding out around the
area. This can be done by using stitch welding techniques,
alternating sides, and/or taking your time and allowing the
pieces to cool between passes.
Arc is triggered but will not start
Porosity in weld bead
Crater in the End of the Weld Bead
Weld Bead is Cracking
Material is Warping
Poor Penetration (Aluminum)
Arc wanders and it is hard to concentrate
heat in a specific area
Contamination in weld bead
Melting Tungsten
Problem
Cause
Fix
Incomplete Circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a
freshly cleaned surface and close to the welding area. It is
suggested to weld towards the ground connection.
Incorrect Tungsten
Consult chart for proper tungsten for the base metal being
welded. In most cases Pure Tungsten will be for aluminum
and Thoriated will be for steel.
No shielding gas
Make sure the shielding gas cylinder is turned all the way
open and set at the correct flow rate.
Wrong Polarity
Make sure polarity is set for the correct material. AC should
be used for aluminum while DC should be used for steel.
Poorly prepped tungsten
Follow guidelines for prepping tungsten.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Contaminated Tungsten
Remove tungsten from torch and break off contaminated
section and resharpen.
Incorrect arc length
Make sure the tungsten is held 1/8 to 1/4 inch off the work
piece.
Incomplete circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a
freshly cleaned surface and close to the welding area. It is
suggested to weld towards the ground connection.
Contaminated base metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture. If base metal is aluminum make sure all
of the oxide is removed using either a dedicated stainless
brush or flap wheel.
Incorrect Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift more negative on the Clearance Effect knob so less heat
is going into the tungsten.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Contaminated filler metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or
moisture.
Contaminated base metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture.
Poor Shielding
Make sure to be in an area with no wind and with any fans
turned off. Wind or fans will blow the shielding gas away from
the weld causing porosity.
Incorrect Tungsten Stick Out
Adjust the tungsten so that 1/8 to 1/4in is sticking out of the
collet.
Contaminated Tungsten
Remove tungsten from torch and break off contaminated
section and resharpen.
Contaminated Filler Metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or
moisture.
Contaminated Base Metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture. If base metal is aluminum make sure all
of the oxide is removed using either a dedicated stainless
brush or flap wheel.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Improper Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift more negative on the Clearance Effect knob so less heat
is going into the tungsten.
Wrong Size Tungsten
Increase tungsten diameter. Refer to chart for proper sizing.
Not enough post flow
Increase post flow time to allow the gas to cool the tungsten.
Incorrect Shielding Gas
Only use 100% Argon when TIG Welding.
Low Voltage
Voltage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as
needed and reference chart on welder.
Incorrect Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift the clearance effect more to the negative side as this will
transfer more heat to the material being welded.
Poor Penetration (Steel)
Low Voltage
Voltage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as
needed and reference chart on welder.
Tungsten Contaminated
Contact of Tungsten with Base
Metal
Keep tungsten 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the base metal. If
tungsten comes in contact break off end and resharpen
immediately.
Poor Weld Appearance
Incorrect positioning
The angle between the filler metal and the torch must be less
than 90 degrees other wise the filler metal will prematurely
melt and glob off causing poor weld appearance.
Insuficcient Shielding
Keep the torch on the base metal while the post flow
shielding gas flows to protect and cool the metal and
tungsten.
Not Enough Filler Material
Reduce current with pedel and add more filler at end of weld.
It may also be benfical to back step to ensure no crater will
form.
Too much heat in material
Reduce heat and allow more time between passes.
Base Metal is absorbing too much
heat
Preheat base metal (consult welding codes for requirments)
Incorrect Filler Wire
Reduce filler wire size.
Insufficent Clamping
Clamp work piece tightly and weld while clamps are in place.
Insufficent Tack Welds
Add more tack welds until rigidity and stiffness is developed.
Too Much Heat in Material
To reduce heat it is best to spread the welding out around the
area. This can be done by using stitch welding techniques,
alternating sides, and/or taking your time and allowing the
pieces to cool between passes.
Arc is triggered but will not start
Porosity in weld bead
Crater in the End of the Weld Bead
Weld Bead is Cracking
Material is Warping
Poor Penetration (Aluminum)
Arc wanders and it is hard to concentrate
heat in a specific area
Contamination in weld bead
Melting Tungsten
Problem
Cause
Fix
Incomplete Circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a
freshly cleaned surface and close to the welding area. It is
suggested to weld towards the ground connection.
Incorrect Tungsten
Consult chart for proper tungsten for the base metal being
welded. In most cases Pure Tungsten will be for aluminum
and Thoriated will be for steel.
No shielding gas
Make sure the shielding gas cylinder is turned all the way
open and set at the correct flow rate.
Wrong Polarity
Make sure polarity is set for the correct material. AC should
be used for aluminum while DC should be used for steel.
Poorly prepped tungsten
Follow guidelines for prepping tungsten.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Contaminated Tungsten
Remove tungsten from torch and break off contaminated
section and resharpen.
Incorrect arc length
Make sure the tungsten is held 1/8 to 1/4 inch off the work
piece.
Incomplete circuit
Check Ground connection. Make sure that the ground is on a
freshly cleaned surface and close to the welding area. It is
suggested to weld towards the ground connection.
Contaminated base metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture. If base metal is aluminum make sure all
of the oxide is removed using either a dedicated stainless
brush or flap wheel.
Incorrect Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift more negative on the Clearance Effect knob so less heat
is going into the tungsten.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Contaminated filler metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or
moisture.
Contaminated base metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture.
Poor Shielding
Make sure to be in an area with no wind and with any fans
turned off. Wind or fans will blow the shielding gas away from
the weld causing porosity.
Incorrect Tungsten Stick Out
Adjust the tungsten so that 1/8 to 1/4in is sticking out of the
collet.
Contaminated Tungsten
Remove tungsten from torch and break off contaminated
section and resharpen.
Contaminated Filler Metal
Clean filler metal making sure to remove any oil, debris, or
moisture.
Contaminated Base Metal
Clean base metal making sure to remove any oil, debris,
coatings, or moisture. If base metal is aluminum make sure all
of the oxide is removed using either a dedicated stainless
brush or flap wheel.
Poor Gas Flow
Adjust the flow rate of the shielding gas (refer to settings
chart). Check for loose fittings where gas could be leaking.
Improper Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift more negative on the Clearance Effect knob so less heat
is going into the tungsten.
Wrong Size Tungsten
Increase tungsten diameter. Refer to chart for proper sizing.
Not enough post flow
Increase post flow time to allow the gas to cool the tungsten.
Incorrect Shielding Gas
Only use 100% Argon when TIG Welding.
Low Voltage
Voltage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as
needed and reference chart on welder.
Incorrect Clearance Effect (AC)
Shift the clearance effect more to the negative side as this will
transfer more heat to the material being welded.
Poor Penetration (Steel)
Low Voltage
Voltage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as
needed and reference chart on welder.
Tungsten Contaminated
Contact of Tungsten with Base
Metal
Keep tungsten 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the base metal. If
tungsten comes in contact break off end and resharpen
immediately.
Poor Weld Appearance
Incorrect positioning
The angle between the filler metal and the torch must be less
than 90 degrees other wise the filler metal will prematurely
melt and glob off causing poor weld appearance.
Insuficcient Shielding
Keep the torch on the base metal while the post flow
shielding gas flows to protect and cool the metal and
tungsten.
Not Enough Filler Material
Reduce current with pedel and add more filler at end of weld.
It may also be benfical to back step to ensure no crater will
form.
Too much heat in material
Reduce heat and allow more time between passes.
Base Metal is absorbing too much
heat
Preheat base metal (consult welding codes for requirments)
Incorrect Filler Wire
Reduce filler wire size.
Insufficent Clamping
Clamp work piece tightly and weld while clamps are in place.
Insufficent Tack Welds
Add more tack welds until rigidity and stiffness is developed.
Too Much Heat in Material
To reduce heat it is best to spread the welding out around the
area. This can be done by using stitch welding techniques,
alternating sides, and/or taking your time and allowing the
pieces to cool between passes.
Arc is triggered but will not start
Porosity in weld bead
Crater in the End of the Weld Bead
Weld Bead is Cracking
Material is Warping
Poor Penetration (Aluminum)
Arc wanders and it is hard to concentrate
heat in a specific area
Contamination in weld bead
Melting Tungsten
