Full Product Manual
19
Section 2 Quick Setup Guide
TERM DEFINITION AND EXPLANATION OF WELDING FEATURES AND TERMS
2T/4T In 2T or 4T modes, the torch switch is used to start and control the weld cycle. Simply put, in 2T mode, the torch switch is simply
pressed and held down to start the arc and begin welding. The switch is then released to terminate the arc and stop welding. In 4T
mode the trigger is pressed and held to start the arc. It is then released to weld. Once welding is nished, the trigger is pressed and
held and eventually released to terminate the arc. Between starting and stopping the weld, there are other things that happened during
the weld cycle such as pre-flow, upslope, down slope, and post flow. Each of these actions are signaled and controlled by a movement
of the torch switch. See the drawing below to understand what is controlled by each movement of the torch switch in both 2T and 4T
modes.
Amps In specic regards to the control and setup of this unit: this is a measure of the maximum current output of the welder. When no welding
or cutting activity is taking place, the display is static, displaying the chosen maximum amperage. When welding or cutting, it becomes
dynamic and displays the actual output of the welder/cutter. Some variation is normal, especially when stick welding and arc force and
hot start are set to a high value. Amperage variation is normal due to several things including variation in arc length and variation in
input voltage. With the TIG foot pedal plugged in, around three seconds after adjustment on the main control knob, the welder will
actually default to the lowest Amp output because the unit begins to read the value of the foot pedal potentiometer instead of the maxi-
mum Amperage selected. This is usually around 5 to 7 amps. However, the display will revert to reading the maximum amperage select-
ed if more Amperage adjustment is subsequently made with the main adjustment knob. Then, the unit will once again revert to the
minimum output position reading of the foot pedal after the three second interval. Regardless of the reading with the foot pedal plugged
in, the Maximum amps will always be what has been selected with the main adjustment knob. With the torch switch selected, the Amper-
age will not fluctuate from what is selected.
Arc Force During Stick welding, arc length (the distance of the end of the electrode to the work piece) is constantly varying. As arc length decreas-
es, voltage begins to fall with a Constant Current (CC) machine. This means the arc looses total wattage ( W=V X A ). Wattage is
actually what keeps the weld puddle going. The combination of Volts and Amps are important and one cannot exist independently of the
other as far as welding is concerned. Often focus is strictly on the Amperage value, but both are important. So as the Voltage falls, even
if the amperage stays the same, the wattage begins to fall and the puddle begins to cool off. This means that in extreme cases, the arc
can go out and the electrode can stick fast in the weld puddle. Inverters such as this one are designed to sense the fall of Voltage and
attempt to offset the voltage loss in an effort to maintain total Wattage by increasing the amp output automatically. In this case, when
Voltage falls below the threshold of 20V due to a short arc length, the arc force becomes active and the “injection” of extra Amps begin.
This value is adjustable from 0 to 100% over the set Amperage. The crispness or softness of the arc is determined by the interplay and
ratio between volts and amp output. Smooth and “buttery” arcs with “wet puddles” are usually a product of lower arc force values.
Higher arc force values make a much more crisp, penetrating arc. For most applications with iron powder rods such as E7014 and
E7018, and for rods like E7018, Arc force values of 20 to 40% are all that are usually required. For operation with more difcult rods,
such as E6011, higher arc force values are required anywhere from 60-80% typically. It is worth noting that typical Amp selections will
be lower than for traditional transformer and brush DC machines. This is because with proper use of the arc force you can actually
control your heat and even increase it somewhat by “pushing” into the puddle with the electrode. With a transformer machine, it is
customary to lengthen the arc rather than shorten it to accomplish something similar. However, pushing into the puddle actually is
preferred because you have less chance of inclusions and discontinuities in the weld. Hint: A “0” value for arc force will not typically
render satisfactory results. NOTICE: Arc Force applies only in Stick mode. Arc force is also limited by the remaining amount amperage
available for employment. The higher the set Amperage, the less Arc Force action is available, regardless of setting. Operation on 120V
signicantly reduces available Arc Force action.
Base Amperage This is a term referred only in terms of the Pulse function. Base amperage (sometimes called “Pulse Amps” or “Background Current” is
the lowest Amperage value during the pulse cycle. On this unit, the Base Amperage is xed at a different value in each Pulse Program.
Cut This is the plasma cutting selection. Before selecting or deselecting “Cut” disengage the torch. NOTICE: Do not switch the Cut mode to
stick or TIG when the plasma torch connected or damage may occur. Polarity for Plasma mode is DCEN, and the torch should be in the
negative terminal (-) marked “torch”.
Down-Slope Down-Slope is the amount of time that it takes for the Amperage to decline from the Maximum selected Amperage to the minimum
selected Amp value during the TIG welding cycle. Down-Slope is adjustable in seconds. On this unit the Down-Slope can be adjusted
from 0-10 Seconds. NOTICE: The Down-Slope only applies to 2T or 4T TIG modes. In foot pedal mode, the user determines the Down-
Slope Time by backing down the pressure on the foot pedal, lowering the amperage.
End Amps During the TIG weld cycle, this is the nal amperage, or “crater” current that is used to complete the weld. It follows the down slope
cycle and is typically set at the minimum amperage for best tail out when using the foot pedal, or set at some desired value that keeps
the arc from suddenly snapping off at a high amp value. This lower amp value, combined with the down slope cycle helps provide time
for the arc to diminish and the weld puddle to gradually cool, helping to prevent large craters in the terminal end of the weld which
create stress risers that lead to cracking of the weld.
Fast Tack This feature allows the user to create fast, intense bursts of welding power perfect for tacking without over melting the edge. This feature
can be set to repeat using the amps and pulse settings varying the intensity by changing the pulse frequency adjustment (Hz). This is
similar to spot, but with spot, pulse cannot be employed. The employment of pulse helps to “vibrate” the puddle and bring two joint
edges together without having to add ller. This is usually reserved for thin materials, but can be used for thicker materials though if
needed, but with reduced effectiveness. For thicker materials, “Spot” is a better choice.
Hertz (Hz) This term refers to the frequency at which the pulse operates. Or it is also sometimes called Pulses per Second (PPS). In other words,
this is the number of times in one second that the pulse completes a full cycle. On this unit the Pulse frequency is adjustable .1-150Hz.
4T Torch Operation Effect on Weld Cycle.
= UP ON SWITCH
= DOWN ON SWITCH
PREFLOW
POST FLOW
2T Torch Operation Effect on Weld Cycle.
WELD AMPS
WELD AMPS
START AMPS
END AMPS
PREFLOW
WELD AMPS
POST FLOW
START AMPS
END AMPS