User Manual
18
WWW.FORNEYIND.COM
Increasing welding voltage leads to a longer arc (without substantially affecting the current).
Conversely, a decreased welding voltage results in a shorter arc (the current again is not substancially
changed). A change in wire diameter results in changed parameters. A smaller diameter wire
requires an increase in wire feed speed to reach the same current. If certain limits are exceeded, a
satisfactory weld cannot be obtained. These are:
A) Feeding wire too fast (too high with regard to the welding voltage) results in pulsing within
the torch. This is because the wire electrode dips into the puddle and cannot be melted off fast
enough.
B) Setting welding voltage to high (too high with regard to the wire feed speed), will result in
excessive and unstable arc. Increase the voltage even higher and the contact tip will burn.
C) Excessive wire speed can be corrected through the arc voltage increase. The limit of this
adjustment depends on the thickness of the material to be welded (a certain limit exceeded
will result in burn through).
Place the torch on the joint you want to weld: the angle between the torch and the nozzle should be
around 45°. The distance between the torch and the work piece should be 5-1/2”. Lower the face
shield and press the torch trigger to start the arc. When the arc has struck, move the nozzle slowly
from left to right along the joint. Adjust the wire feed speed until the arc makes a “crisp” sound
(experience will help you to recognize the right sound).
The machine should be set up for mild steel except for the following changes:
• 100% ARGON as welding protective gas.
• Ensure that your torch is set up for aluminum welding:
• The length of the torch cable should not exceed 10’ (it is advisable not to use longer torches).
•
Install a Teflon wire liner. Follow the instructions for changing the renewing of the wire liner.
• Ensure that drive rolls are suitable for aluminum wire.
• Use contact tips that are suitable for aluminum wire and make sure that the diameter of the
contact tip hole corresponds to the wire diameter that is going to be used.
• Always weld clean, dry and well-prepared material.
• Hold gun at a 45° angle to the workpiece with nozzle about 1/2” from the surface.
• Move the gun smoothly and steadily as you weld.
• Avoid welding in very drafty areas. A weak, pitted and porous weld will result due to air
blowing away the protective welding gas.
• Keep wire and wire liner clean. Do not use rusty wire.
• Sharp bends or kinks in the welding cable should be avoided.
• Always try to avoid getting particles of metal inside the machine since they could cause short
circuits or other damage.
• If available, use compressed air to periodically clean the hose liner, especially when
changing wire spools.
CAUTION: Disconnect from power source when carrying out this operation.
• Using low pressure air (3/5 Bar=20-30 PSI), occasionally blow the dust from the inside of
the welder. This keeps the machine running cooler. NOTE: Do not blow air over the printed
circuit board and electronic components.
• The wire feed roller will eventually wear during normal use. With the correct tension the
pressure roller must feed the wire without slipping. If the pressure roller and the wire feed
Aluminum Welding
Maintenance & Servicing
General Maintenance