INSTRUCTIONS for
ST-16 MIG WELDING TORCH
F11-744-R
September, 2004
Be sure this information reaches the operator.
You can get extra copies through your supplier.
These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the principles of operation and safe practices for
arc welding equipment, we urge you to read our booklet, "Precautions and Safe Practices for Arc Welding, Cutting, and Gouging,"
Form 52-529. Do NOT permit untrained persons to install, operate, or maintain this equipment. Do NOT attempt to install or operate
this equipment until you have read and fully understand these instructions. If you do not fully understand these instructions, contact
your supplier for further information. Be sure to read the Safety Precautions before installing or operating this equipment.
I. INTRODUCTION
The ST-16 Torch, P/N 997498, is a rugged all purpose,
water cooled, manual Mig welding torch designed to
operate at welding currents up to 600 amperes continu-
ous duty using argon as the shielding gas. The ST-16 is
intended for use with ESAB wire feeders which have
provision for water cooling and will handle all types of
welding wires in sizes from .030-in. through 7/64-in. di-
ameter.
II. DESCRIPTION
To provide maximum resistance to the abuses of day to
day service, the torch is of heavy-duty construction with
metal parts well insulated from current carrying mem-
bers. It’s 55-degree, curved stainless steel front body
permits effective operation in tight, hard-to-reach cor-
ners and other contained areas. The torch employs metal
nozzles and either slip-in contact tubes or threaded con-
tact tips (long or short). Each contact tube is threadless
and is retained by a collet nut supplied with the torch.
All service lines are internally connected to the torch
body and exit from the rear of the torch handle for easy
torch maneuverability. For weld start-stop control, the
torch is provided with a positive action universal lever
switch which can be positioned at any point on the torch
handle preferred by the operator.
For feeding all wires, a self-lined conduit with either a
spring or plastic jumper liner is normally used. An alter-
nate replaceable liner conduit system is also available
for feeding 0.35, .045 and 1/16-in. hard wires through a
continuous metal conduit liner.
III. ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT
A. REQUIRED
The ST-16 requires a nozzle (see Table 1), and several
wire feed accessories of the proper size for the wire be-
ing used. (Refer to Table 2 if using the self-lined conduit
system or Table 3 if using conduit with continuous or
replaceable liner system). One other accessory whose
selection depends upon wire size is the feed roll on the
wire feeder itself. Selection of this accessory is covered
in the appropriate wire feeder instruction booklet.
Centering Bushing, P/N 994330
(For use with No.8
and No. 10 nozzles) - Eliminates any possibility of
spatter bridging in the torch. This is accomplished
by using this one-piece centering bushing and spat-
ter liner in place of the two individual pieces nor-
mally used. Note that it can only be used at maxi-
mum current of 350 amps with argon or 550 amps
with C0
2
.
B. OPTIONAL
1.
Table 1 - Nozzles
Description
No. 8 Nozzle .......................................
No. 10 Nozzle ......................................
No. 10L Nozzle ....................................
No. 12 Nozzle ......................................
No. 12M Med. Length Nozzle ...............
No. 12L Long Length Nozzle ................
No. 12 Spot Welding Nozzle ................
Part No.
P/N 598739*
P/N 598721*
P/N 598891
P/N 633985
P/N 997310
P/N 639756
P/N 993757
* Requires Spatter Liner, P/N 633603
