Clarke MIG165TE Installation and operation manual

MIG165TE • MIG175TE
OPERATING & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
0905

WELDER SPECIFICATIONS
This model is covered by
regulations EN 60974-1 and
EN 50199, where the Duty
Cycle (X) is expressed as a
percentage of time the
machine may be used in a
given period for a specified
welding current.
i.e. When welding at 85
Amps with a MIG 175TE, the
machine may be used for 6
minutes (60%) in any 10
minute period..
DUTY CYCLE
Please note that the details and specifications contained herein, are correct at the time of
going to print. However, CLARKE International reserve the right to change specifications at any
time without prior notice. ALWAYS CONSULT THE MACHINE’S DATA PLATE
2
PRIMARY or INPUT POWER DATA 165TE 175TE
Primary Volts 230V / 1PH 230V / 1PH
Fuse Rating 16 Amps 20 Amps
Frequency 50Hz 50Hz
SECONDARY DATA
Sec. Volts 18 - 29 V 23 - 42 V
Max. Sec. Amps 150 Amps 170 Amps
USABLE WIRE SIZES
Mild Steel Wire 0.6-0.8mm 0.6-0.8mm
Stainless Steel Wire 0.8mm 0.8mm
Aluminium Wire 0.8mm 0.8mm
USABLE GASES MAIN USES
75% Argon 25% CO2 - Thin Sheet Metal, Mild Steel
100% Argon - Welding Aluminium, Stainless Stl
100% CO2 - Mild Steel
............or, the machine may be used continuously, (100%) when welding at 65 Amps.
Interpolate for other welding currents
When disposing of this product, it must be disposed of according to all local ordinances.
DISPOSAL

CONTENTS PAGE
Welder Specifications ............................................................................ 2
Parts & Service Contacts ....................................................................... 3
Guarantee .............................................................................................. 4
Electromagnetic Interference (EMC) .................................................. 5
Safety Precautions ................................................................................. 7
Additional Safety Precautions for MIG Welding ............................... 12
Principles of Operation ........................................................................ 14
Electrical Connections ........................................................................ 15
Assembly .............................................................................................. 16
Welding Shield ........................................... 17
Connecting the Gas Supply ..................... 17
Preparation for Use ....... Installing the Welding Wire ....................... 18
Selecting correct Drive Roller ................... 20
MIG Welding Operation ...................................................................... 21
Tuning the Welder ....................................... 21
Wire Specification Chart ..................................................................... 22
Welding Tips & Maintenance .............................................................. 22
Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 23
Parts Lists and Diagrams ............................................................. 24 - 29
Wiring Diagrams ........................................................................... 30 - 31
For Spare Parts and Service, please contact your nearest dealer,
or CLARKE International, on one of the following numbers.
PARTS & SERVICE TEL: [phone]
PARTS & SERVICE FAX: [phone]
or e-mail as follows:
PARTS: [e-mail]
SERVICE: [e-mail]
PARTS AND SERVICE CONTACTS
3

Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE MIG Welder, designed to operate using a
gas cylinder with plain metal welding wire ONLY. This is explained in greater detail
within the manual.
Before attempting to operate the machine, it is essential that you read this manual
thoroughly and carefully follow all instructions given. In doing so you will ensure
the safety of yourself and that of others around you, and you can also look forward
to the welder giving you long and satisfactory service.
GUARANTEE
This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period
of 12 months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof
of purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product
can be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
4

ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE (EMC)
Whilst this unit complies with EMC regulations, the user is responsible for installing
and using the welding equipment according to the manufacturers instructions. If
electromagnetic disturbances are detected then it shall be the responsibility of
the user of the welding equipment to resolve the situation. In some cases this
remedial action may be as simple as earthing the welding circuit, see ‘Note’. In
other cases it could involve constructing an electromagnetic screen enclosing
the power source and the work complete with associated input filters. In all cases
electromagnetic disturbances must be reduced to the point where they are no
longer troublesome.
Note - The welding circuit may or may not be earthed for safety reasons. Changing
the earthing arrangements should only be authorised by a person who is
competent to assess whether the changes will increase the risk of injury, e.g. by
allowing parallel welding current return paths which may damage the earth circuits
of other equipment.
1.ASSESSMENT OF AREA
Before installing welding equipment the user shall make an assessment of potential
electromagnetic problems in the surrounding area. Avoid using your inverter in
the vicinity of:
a) other supply cables, control cables, signalling and telephone cables;
above, below and adjacent to the welding equipment;
b) radio and television transmitters and receivers;
c) computer and other control equipment;
d) safety critical equipment, e.g. guarding of industrial equipment;
e) pacemakers and hearing aids etc.;
f) equipment used for calibration or measurement;
g) other equipment in the environment. The user shall ensure that other
equipment being used in the environment is compatible. This may
require additional protection measures;
It may be possible to avoid the above by changing the time of day that welding
or other activities are to be carried out.
The size of the surrounding area to be considered will depend on the structure of
the building and other activities that are taking place. The surrounding area may
extend beyond the boundaries of the premises.
2. METHODS OF REDUCING EMISSIONS
2.1 Mains supply
Welding equipment should be connected to the mains supply according to the
manufacturers recommendations. If interference occurs, it may be necessary to
5

take additional precautions such as filtering of the mains supply. Consideration
should be given to shielding the supply cable of permanently installed welding
equipment, in metallic conduit or equivalent. Shielding should be electrically
continuous throughout its length. The shielding should be connected to the welding
power source so that good electrical contact is maintained between the conduit
and the welding power source enclosure.
2.2 Maintenance of the welding equipment
The welding equipment should be routinely maintained according to the
manufacturers recommendations. All access and service doors and covers should
be closed and properly fastened when the welding equipment is in operation.
The welding equipment should not be modified in any way except for those
changes and adjustments covered in the manufacturers instructions. In particular,
the spark gaps of arc striking and stabilizing devices should be adjusted and
maintained according to the manufacturers recommendations.
2.3 Welding cables
The welding cables should be kept as short as possible and should be positioned
close together, running at or close to the floor level.
2.4 Equipotential bonding
Bonding of all metallic components in the welding installation and adjacent to it
should be considered. However, metallic components bonded to the work piece
will increase the risk that the operator could receive a shock by touching these
metallic components and the electrodes at the same time. The operator should
be insulated from all such bonded metallic components.
2.5 Earthing of the workpiece
Where the workpiece is not bonded to earth for electrical safety, nor connected
to earth because of its size and position, e.g. ships hull or building steelwork, a
connection bonding the workpiece to earth may reduce emissions in some, but
not all instances.
Care should be taken to prevent the earthing of the workpiece increasing the risk
of injury to users, or damage to other electrical equipment.
Where necessary, the connection of the workpiece to earth should be made by
a direct connection to the workpiece, but in some countries where direct
connection is not permitted, the bonding should be achieved by suitable
capacitance, selected according to national regulations.
2.6 Screening and shielding
Selective screening and shielding of other cables and equipment in the surrounding
area may alleviate problems of interference. Screening of the entire welding
installation may be considered for special applications.
6

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR ALL TYPES OF WELDING
1. WARNING:
As with all machinery, there are certain hazards involved with their operation
and use. Exercising respect and caution will considerably lessen the risk of
personal injury. However, if normal safety precautions are overlooked, or
ignored, personal injury to the operator may result.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY
2. GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
A)Burn prevention
Wear protective clothing - gauntlet gloves designed for use in welding, apron, and
protective shoes. Button shirt collar and pocket flaps, and wear cuffless trousers to
avoid entry of sparks and slag. Wear helmet with safety goggles or glasses with side
shields underneath, appropriate filter lenses or plates (protected by clear cover
glass). This is a MUST for welding or cutting, (and chipping) to protect the eyes from
radiant energy and spatter. Replace cover glass when broken, pitted, or spattered.
Avoid oily greasy clothing. A spark may ignite them. Hot metal such as electrode
stubs and workpieces should never be handled without gloves. First aid facilities and
a qualified first aid person should be available unless medical facilities are close by
for immediate treatment of flash burns of the eyes and skin burns. Ear plugs should
be worn when working overhead or in a confined space. A hard hat should be
worn when others work overhead. Flammable hair preparations should not be used
by persons intending to weld or cut.
B) Toxic fume prevention
Severe discomfort, illness or death can result from fumes, vapours, heat, or oxygen
enrichment or depletion that welding (or cutting) may produce. Prevent them
with adequate ventilation. NEVER ventilate with oxygen. Lead-, cadmium-, zinc-,
mercury- and beryllium-, bearing materials, when welded (or cut) may produce
harmful concentrations of toxic fumes. Adequate local exhaust ventilation must
be used, or each person in the area as well as the operator must wear an air-
supplied respirator. For beryllium, both must be used. Metals coated with or
containing materials that emit toxic fumes should not be heated unless coating is
removed from the work surface, the area is well ventilated, or the operator wears
an air-supplied respirator. Work in a confined space only while it is being ventilated
and, if necessary, while wearing an air-supplied respirator. Vapours from chlorinated
solvents can be decomposed by the heat of the arc (or flame) to form PHOSGENE,
a highly toxic gas, and other lung and eye irritating products. The ultraviolet
(radiant) energy of the arc can also decompose trichloroethylene and
perchloroethylene vapours to form phosgene. DO NOT WELD or cut where solvent
vapours can be drawn into the welding or cutting atmosphere or where the radiant
energy can penetrate to atmospheres containing even minute amounts of
trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene.
7

C) Fire and explosion prevention
Causes of fire and explosion are:
1) combustibles reached by the arc, flame, flying sparks, hot slag or heated
material;
2) misuse of compressed gases and cylinders;
3) short circuits.
BE AWARE THAT flying sparks or falling slag can pass through cracks, along pipes,
through windows or doors, and through wall or floor openings, out of sight of the
goggled operator. Sparks and slag can fly 10M.
To prevent fires and explosion: keep equipment clean and operable, free of oil,
grease, and (in electrical parts) of metallic particles that can cause short circuits.
If combustibles are in area, do NOT weld or cut. Move the work if practicable, to
an area free of combustibles.
Avoid paint spray rooms, dip tanks, storage areas, ventilators. If the work cannot
be moved, move combustibles at least 10M, away out of reach of sparks and
heat; or protect against ignition with suitable and snug fitting, fire- resistant covers
or shields.
Walls, ceilings, and floor near work should be protected by heat resistant covers
or shields. Fire watcher must be standing by with suitable fire extinguishing
equipment during and for some time after welding or cutting if:
a) appreciable combustibles (including building construction) are within 10m.
b) appreciable combustibles are further than 10m but can be ignited by sparks.
c) openings (concealed or visible) in floors or walls within 10m can expose
combustibles to sparks.
d) combustibles adjacent to walls, ceilings, roofs or metal partitions can be
ignited by radiant or conducted heat.
After work is done, check that area is free of sparks, glowing embers, and flames.
An empty container that held combustibles, or that can produce flammable or
toxic vapours when heated, must never be welded on or cut, unless container
has first been cleaned. This includes.......a thorough steam or caustic cleaning (or
a solvent or water washing, depending on the combustible’s solubility) followed
by purging and inerting with nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and using protective
equipment.
Water filling just below working level may substitute for inerting.
A container with unknown contents should be cleaned (see paragraph above),
do NOT depend on sense of smell or sight to determine if it is safe to weld or cut.
Hollow castings or containers must be vented before welding or cutting - they
can explode.
In explosive atmospheres, never weld or cut where the air may contain flammable
dust, gas, or liquid vapours.
8

3. ELECTRIC ARC (MIG, TIG) WELDING
Comply with precautions in 1 above, and this section. Arc welding, properly done,
is a safe process, but a careless operator invites trouble. The equipment carries
high currents at significant voltages. The arc is very bright and hot. Sparks fly, fumes
rise, ultraviolet and infrared energy radiates, weldments are hot. The wise operator
avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and others from accidents.
3A) BURN PROTECTION
Comply with precautions in 2. The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. Its
radiation can damage eyes, penetrate lightweight clothing, reflect from light
coloured surfaces, and burn the skin and eyes. Skin burns resemble acute sunburn,
those from gas - shielded arcs are more severe and painful.
DON’T GET BURNED! COMPLY WITH PRECAUTIONS!
1) Protective clothing
Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to
gloves, apron and shoes (2A). As necessary, use additional protective clothing
such as leather jacket or sleeves, flameproof apron, and fire-resistant leggings.
Avoid outer garments of untreated cotton. Bare skin protection: Wear dark
substantial clothing, Button collar to protect chest and neck and button
pockets to prevent entry of sparks.
2) Eye and head protection
Protect eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without
protection. Welding helmet or shield containing a filter plate shade no. 12 or
denser must be used when welding. Place over face before striking arc. Protect
filter plate with a clear cover plate. Cracked or broken helmet or shield should
NOT be worn; radiation can pass through to cause burns. Cracked, broken,
or loose filter plates must be replaced IMMEDIATELY. Replace clear cover plate
when broken, pitted, or spattered. WE SUGGEST you wear flash goggles with
side shields under the helmet, to give some protection to the eyes should the
helmet not be lowered over the face before an arc is struck. Looking at an
arc momentarily with unprotected eyes (particularly a high intensity
gas-shielded arc) can cause a retinal burn that may leave a permanent dark
area in the field of vision. Before welding whilst wearing contact lenses, seek
advice from your optician.
3) Protection of nearby personnel
For production welding, a separate room or enclosed bay is best.
In open areas, surround the operation with low reflective, non- combustible
screens or panels. Allow for free air circulation, particularly at floor level. Provide
face shields for all persons who will be looking directly at the weld. Others
working in the area should wear flash goggles. Before starting to weld, make
sure that screen or bay doors are closed.
9

3B) TOXIC FUME PREVENTION
Comply with precautions in 2B. Generator engine exhaust must be vented to
the outside air. Carbon monoxide can kill.
3C) FIRE AND EXPLOSION PREVENTION
Comply with precautions in 2C. Equipment’s rated capacity. Do not overload arc
welding equipment. It may overheat cables and cause a fire. Loose cable
connections may overheat orflash andcauseafire.Never strikeanarc onacylinder
or other pressure vessel. It creates a brittle area that can cause a violent rupture or
lead to such a rupture later under rough handling.
3D) SHOCK PREVENTION
Exposed live conductors or other bare metal in the welding circuit, or in
unearthed, electrically-LIVE equipment can fatally shock a person whose body
becomes a conductor. DO NOT STAND, SIT, LIE, LEAN ON, OR TOUCH a wet
surface when welding, without suitable protection.
3E) PROTECTION FOR WEARERS OF ELECTRONIC LIFE SUPPT DEVICES (PACEMAKERS)
Magneticfieldsfrom highcurrentscanaffect pacemaker operation. Personswearing
electronic life support equipment (pacemaker) should consult with their doctor
before going near arc welding, gouging, or spot welding operations.
3F) TO PROTECT AGAINST SHOCK:
Keep body and clothing dry. Never work in damp area without adequate
insulation against electrical shock. Stay on a dry duckboard, or rubber mat
when dampness or sweat can not be avoided. Sweat, sea water, or moisture
between body and an electrically LIVE part - or earthed metal - reduces the
body surface electrical resistance, enabling dangerous and possibly lethal
currents to flow through the body.
1) Earthing the equipment
When arc welding equipment is earthed according to the National
Electrical Code, and the workpiece is earthed, a voltage may exist
between the electrode and any conducting object.
Examples of conducting objects include, but are not limited to, buildings,
electrical tools, work benches, welding power source cases, workpieces,
etc. Never touch the electrode and any metal object unless the welding
power source is off. When installing, connect the frames of each unit such
as welding power source, control, work table, and water circulator to the
building earth.
Conductors must be adequate to carry earth currents safely. Equipment
made electrically LIVE by stray current may shock, possibly fatally. Do NOT
EARTH to electrical conduit, or to a pipe carrying ANY gas or a flammable
liquid such as oil or fuel.
10

2) Electrode holders
Fully insulated electrode holders should be used. Do NOT use holders with
protruding screws or with any form of damage.
3) Connectors
Fully insulated lock-type connectors should be used to join welding cable.
4) Cables
Frequently inspect cables for wear, cracks and damage. IMMEDIATELY
REPLACE those with excessively worn or damaged insulation to avoid
possibly lethal shock from bared cable. Cables with damaged areas may
be taped to give resistance equivalent to original cable. Keep cable dry,
free of oil and grease, and protected from hot metal and sparks.
5) Terminals and other exposed parts
Terminals and other exposed parts of electrical units should have insulating
covers secured before operation.
6) Electrode
a) Equipment with output on/off control (contactor)
Welding power sources for use with the gas metal arc welding, gas
tungsten arc welding and similar processes normally are equipped with
devices that permit on/off control of the welding power output. When
so equipped the electrode wire becomes electrically LIVE when the
power source switch is ON and welding gun switch is closed. Never
touch the electrode wire or any conducting object in contact with
the electrode circuit unless the welding power source is off.
b) Equipment without output on/off control (no contactor)
Welding power sources used with shielded metal arc welding and similar
processes may not be equipped with welding power output on/off
control devices. With such equipment the electrode is electrically LIVE
when the power switch is turned ON. Never touch the electrode unless
the welding power source is off.
7) Safety devices
Safety devices such as interlocks and circuit breakers should not be
disconnected or shunted out. Before installation, inspection, or service of
equipment, shut OFF all power and remove line fuses (or lock or red-tag
switches) to prevent accidental turning ON of power. Do not open power
circuit or change polarity while welding. If, in an emergency, it must be
disconnected, guard against shock burns, or flash from switch arcing.
Always shut OFF and disconnect all power to equipment. Power disconnect
switch must be available near the welding power source.
11

PREPARATION OF THE WORKING AREA
The working area must be sufficiently spacious, not humid, and well-ventilated as
to avoid any fumes which develop from the welding process and from incidental
material adhering to the pieces to be welded (oils, paints, tars...) which may cause
annoyance to the operator.
Avoid welding by contact with humid parts nearby combustible liquids. Least of
all, do not weld upon tanks which may contain flammable residuals.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS for MIG WELDING
✔ALWAYS ensure that there is full free air circulating around the outer casing of
the machine, and that the louvres are unobstructed.
✔Welding arc can seriously damage your eyes. Both operator and spectators
must ALWAYS use a proper welding face shield or helmet, with suitable filter
lenses. Proper gloves and working clothes should be worn at all times.
✔ALWAYS check that the pressure regulator and gauges (where fitted), are
working correctly. DO NOT lubricate the regulator.
✔ALWAYS use the correct regulator. Regulators are designed to be used with
a specific gases.
✔ALWAYS inspect the hose before use to ensure it is in good condition.
✔ALWAYS keep the free length of gas hose outside the work area.
✔ALWAYS remove all flammable materials from the welding area.
✔ALWAYS Keep fire extinguisher handy....’Dry Powder, C02 or BCF, NOT Water
✗NEVER remove any of the panels unless the machine is disconnected from
the supply, AND never use the machine with any of the panels removed.
✗NEVER attempt any electrical or mechanical repair unless your are a qualified
technician. If you have a problem with the machine contact your local
CLARKE dealer.
12

PREPARATION OF THE WORKING AREA
✗NEVER use or store in a wet/damp environment. DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN.
✗The MIG welding process uses an INERT gas to protect the weld pool. It is
important to ensure the appropriate gas is being used. NEVER use gas from
a cylinder, the content of which is unknown.
✗NEVER a. Use a damaged cylinder.
b. Lift the cylinder by the valve.
c. Expose the cylinder to a heat source or sparks.
✗NEVER continue to weld, if, at any time, you feel even the smallest electric shock.
Stop welding IMMEDIATELY, and DO NOT attempt to use the machine until the fault
is diagnosed and corrected.
✗NEVER point the MIG torch at any person or animal.
✗NEVER touch the MIG torch nozzle until the welder is switched OFF and the
nozzle has been allowed to cool off.
✗NEVER connect, disconnect, or attempt to service the MIG torch, until the
machine is switched OFF and disconnected from the mains supply.
✗NEVER allow the cables to become wrapped around the operator or any
person in the vicinity.
DANGER - ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN BE FATAL.
A person qualified in first aid should always be present in the working area.
If person is unconscious and electric shock is suspected, do not touch the person if
he or she is in contact with the welder or cables. Disconnect the welder from the
power source and then use First Aid. Dry wood, or other insulating material can be
used to move cables, if necessary, away from the person.
13

SAFETY EQUIPMENT
A comprehensive range of CLARKE safety equipment for use when
welding is available from your local dealer.
MIG WELDING - PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is a process in which a power wire electrode
is fed continuously into the weld pool at a controlled, constant rate.
The wire is connected to the positive side of a rectified voltage supply. The
workpiece is connected to the negative side of the supply.
When the wire is fed, it comes into contact with the workpiece and an arc
is struck. The arc melts the wire and the material, fusing it together.
The wire, which is fed by the wire feed motor is fed into the weld pool,
burning itself off at a rate dependent upon the selected wire feed speed.
To protect the weld pool from oxidation and impurities during the welding
process, a shielding gas flows over and around the weld pool. This gas flow
must be sufficient to protect the weld, but not wasteful.
NOTE:
Poor gas coverage will result in poor welding. Excessive gas
coverage is wasteful and expensive
.
BENEFITS OF MIG WELDING
1. 50% faster welding time.
2. Operator training time kept to a minimum.
3. There is no slag removal, thus eliminating almost all post-welding
cleaning operations.
4. Minimum waste of welding consumables.
5. Overall, a faster more efficient way of getting the job done.
6. Less heat - less distortion.
7. Ability to weld thin material.
14

ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
WARNING: THIS MACHINE MUST BE EARTHED.
This welder must be connected to a 230 volt (50Hz) supply, having a rated
capacity of greater than 13 amps.
A 13 Amp (BS1363) plug is not suitable for this device.
Connect the three core mains lead to a suitably fused supply through an
isolator or heavy duty plug.
IMPORTANT: The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with
the following colour code:
Green & Yellow - Earth
Blue - Neutral
Brown - Live
• Connect GREEN & YELLOW coloured cord to plug terminal marked
with a letter “E” or Earth symbol “
”.
• Connect BROWN coloured cord to plug terminal marked letter “L”
• Connect BLUE coloured cord to plug terminal marked letter “N”
We strongly recommend that this machine is connected to the mains
supply through a Residual Current Device.
IMPORTANT: If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician. Do not attempt
any electrical repairs yourself.
15

ASSEMBLY
Remove contents from carton and check all components as follows:
The side panel is hinged at its rear edge: Open by pulling the securing catch
sideways, lay out all components contained within, and check to ensure that
they are all correct according to the list below.
A - 2 Wheels
B - 1 Axle
C - 2 Wheel retaining washers
D - 2 Wheels
E - 1 Handle
F - 2 Handle Bases
G - 2 Fixing screws
LOOSE ITEMS
1x Mask with fixing screws & washers
1x Mask handle
2x Handle retaining screws
1x Transparent glass
1x Dark glass
1x 0.6mm welding tip
1x 0.8mm welding tip
1x Gas regulator
1x welding torch and lead (Torch and hose assembly is factory fitted )
SHOULD ANY PART BE MISSING OR DAMAGED, CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER
FOR REPLACEMENT.
A. Handle and Wheels
1. Slot the axle (B) through the holes at the rear of the machine and slide a
wheel (A) on to each end followed by the retaining washers.
2. Screw the two casters (D) to the machine.
3. Slide handle (8) and the two bases (F) into the top of the machine, line up
the holes with those in the casing, and secure using the 4 screws provided.
Fig.1
16

B. FACE SHIELD
To assemble the welding shield, insert the clear glass panel first, followed by the
dark glass panel into the recess in the shield, i.e. the clear glass MUST be on the
outside of the shield. Securing them with the plastic screws provided.
Slot the two pieces together as shown, and
enterthe threadedendofthe handlethrough
the holes provided. Thread on the plastic nut
and tighten.
Always maintain the welding mask in good
condition. If the clear glass protection lens
becomes badly pitted, sufficient to interfere
with vision, or cracked, have it replaced
immediately. Replacement clear and dark
lenses are available from your Clarke dealer
- see Parts Lists for details. NEVER use any dark
filter lens other than that provided by CLARKE
International, or one with the same certified ‘Optical class’ (degree of protection).
The shield should always be cleaned with a clean soft cloth after use, ensuring the lenses
are clean. Remove any dust that may have accumulated and store it in a safe place
where it cannot be damaged. NEVER use a shield that is not in perfect condition.
The clear glass panel should be replaced when it becomes badly pitted.
WARNING:
NEVER look at an electric arc without eye protection as this can injure the eyes
permanently. ALWAYS use a protection mask or welding helm
C. GAS SUPPLY
It is necessary to procure a cylinder of gas, suitable for the job in hand.
Locate the gas cylinder on the platform at the rear of the unit, and secure using
the chain provided.
A regulator is provided, complete with outlet pressure gauge for use with argon or
argon mix gas bottles. Should you require to use Carbon Dioxide, it will be necessary
for you to purchase an appropriate regulator with a female connector. Your Clarke
dealer will be happy to advise in this regard.
Ensure the outlet of the gas bottle is clean, then screw on the regulator and
tighten.
Always use the appropriate gas for the material being welded. If you are unsure,
consult a qualified tradesman, or a suitable reference book.
Attach the nut and tail to the gas hose, using the worm drive clip provided, then
screw the nut on to the regulator outlet and tighten.
Open the gas valve and screw in the regulator knob allow gas into the system to
check for gas leaks. If any are apparent, they must be rectified before proceeding.
Turn off the gas when satisfied the system is leak free.
Fig.2
17

A. Installing the Welding Wire
NOTE: These machines are designed to accept either the Clarke 5kg or 15kg wire
spools of mild steel, stainless steel or aluminium according to the type of metal you
wish to weld.Wire spools must be purchased separately. See your Clarke dealer for
full details.
1. IMPORTANT: Ensure that the gas and electrical supplies are disconnected.
PREPARATION FOR USE
2. REF: FIG 4
To fit the wire spool,
firstly open the side
compartment by
pulling the recessed
catch backwards.
Fig.6
3. Turn the plastic knob with cam (7,) to the
position shown in Fig. 5, so that the latch is
unlocked, and pull off the collar (4).
4. Slide the spool on to the shaft, ensuring
that the Peg ‘A’ locates snugly in locating
hole ‘B’, ensuring the direction of feed of
the wire is in the direction of the arrow.
Replace the collar - 4, (5kg spool ONLY),
and turn the Plastic knob with cam (7) to
the position shown in Fig.6 thereby locking
the spool on the shaft.
NOTE: The Plastic knob, item 7 Fig.4 is also used
to apply slight tension to the wire spool. This
prevents the spool from running freely, which
could cause the wire to unspool, creating a
‘birds nest’ tangle within the side compartment.
Adjust by hand and test the tension.
1. Pressure plate
2. Mounting Shaft
3. Wire Spool
4. Collar
5. Flat Washer
6. Spring
7. Plastic Nut
Fig.5
Fig.4
18

5. Unscrew the pressure roller
bracket securing knob (A, Fig
7), sufficient for it to be pulled
out of its holder. This releases
the pressure roller bracket (B)
which, may then be pulled up
to expose the welding wire.
IMPORTANT!
Before fitting ANY wire, ensure the correct groove on the roller is in place.
(see page 20)
Fig.9
6. Pull out the end of the wire
from the rim of the spool,
taking care NOT to release it.
The spool is wound firmly and
should remain this way.
Ensuring the wire is straight and
not kinked in any way, clip off
the end with a sharp pair of
snips ensuring there are no
burrs or sharp edges.
Proceed to feed it through the
guide tube (C, Fig.8), over the
groove on the roller (D), and
into the wire liner, by about 10
- 15 cm.
7. Reposition the pressure roller bracket and securing knob (A) and tighten
slightly.
Tightening the knob (A) too tightly will crush the wire and damage the
wire feed motor, too loose will not allow the wire to be pulled by the roller.
8. (Ref. Fig 9)
Remove the torch shroud by
twisting it anti clockwise and
pulling it off, then unscrew the
contact tip.
Should any wire protrude from the
tip....pull it out completely and
discard.
Fig.7
Fig.8
19

9. Close the side panel of the machine, and switch on at the mains or isolator.
10. Set the Wire Feed rotary switch, on the front panel, to position 6 OR 7, switch on the
machine and press the trigger.
The wire will feed through the hose and when it appears at the torch end,
release the trigger, switch off the machine and disconnect from the mains
supply. Replace the contact tip and the torch shroud.
IMPORTANT:
Ensure the hose is kept straight during this operation, to assist the wire as it
is fed through to the wire liner and torch.
D. Selecting the Correct Drive Roller Groove
As previously mentioned, it is important that the correct groove in the drive roller is
selected for the particular wire being used. The roller provided, has 0.6 and 0.8mm
grooves, and is factory set with the 0.6mm groove in position.
To change grooves, proceed as follows:
1. With the pressure roller bracket
raised, and the old wire
removed, unscrew the hex
socket head grubscrew
(arrowed, Fig10), using an
appropriate hex. wrench, then
pull the roller from the shaft.
2. Ensure the appropriate groove
is facing inwards, before sliding
the roller on to the shaft.
Re-tighten the grub screw to
lock the roller securely in place.
Fig.10
3. Connect the machine to a 230V AC 50Hz supply.
4. Open the gas valve on the gas cylinder regulator, (turn knob clockwise)and
adjust the gas regulator to the proper setting position. NOTE: this varies with
different metals, thicknesses and currents. Refer to a MIG welding manual
for instructions.
20