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VIPER MIG 165
OPERATING MANUAL
23. MMA (STICK) Troubleshooting
23.1 No arc
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Incomplete welding circuit:
Check earth lead is connected. Check all cable connections.
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Wrong mode selected:
Check the MMA selector switch is selected.
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No power supply:
Check that the machine is switched on and has a power supply.
23.2
Porosity - Small cavities or holes resulting from gas pockets in weld metal
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Arc length too long:
Shorten the arc length.
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Work piece dirty, contaminated or moisture:
Remove moisture and materials like paint, grease, oil, and dirt, including
mill scale, from base metal.
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Damp electrodes:
Use only dry electrodes.
23.3 Excessive Spatter
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Amperage too high:
Decrease the amperage or choose a larger electrode.
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Arc length too long:
Shorten the arc length.
23.4 Weld sits on top, lack of fusion
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Insufficient heat input:
Increase the amperage or choose a larger electrode.
•
Work piece dirty, contaminated or moisture:
Remove moisture and materials like paint, grease, oil, and dirt, including
mill scale, from base metal.
•
Poor welding technique:
Use the correct welding technique or seek assistance for the correct technique.
23.5 Lack of penetration
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Insufficient heat input:
Increase the amperage or choose a larger electrode.
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Poor welding technique:
Use the correct welding technique or seek assistance for the correct technique.
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Poor joint preparation:
Check the joint design and fit up, make sure the material is not too thick. Seek assistance for the
correct joint design and fit up.
23.6 Excessive penetration - Burn through
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Excessive heat input:
Reduce the amperage or use a smaller electrode.
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Incorrect travel speed:
Try increasing the weld travel speed.
23.7 Uneven weld appearance
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Unsteady hand, wavering hand:
Use two hands where possible to steady up, practise your technique.
23.8 Distortion - Movement of base metal during welding
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Excessive heat input:
Reduce the amperage or use a smaller electrode.
•
Poor welding technique:
Use the correct welding technique or seek assistance for the correct technique.
•
Poor joint preparation and or joint design:
Check the joint design and fit up, make sure the material is not too thick.
Seek assistance for the correct joint design and fit up.
23.9 Electrode welds with different or unusual arc characteristic
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Incorrect polarity:
Change the polarity, check the electrode manufacturer for correct polarity.
