Clarke MIG196 Instruction Manual

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS GC1121 - rev 11
NO GAS/GAS MIG WELDER
MODEL NO: MIG196
PART NO: 6015200

2
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE MIG Welder.
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.
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY
Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the
obligation to deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE
regulations in relation to the treatment, recycling & recovery and
environmentally sound disposal of the WEEE.
In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal
facility.

3
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR ALL TYPES OF WELDING
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY
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 glass). This is a MUST for welding (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 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.
NOTE: ALL protective wear incl. masks & head shields MUST comply with
PPE Directive 89/686/EEC
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 force 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
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.

4
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
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.
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.
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 the area, do NOT weld. Move the work if
practicable, to an area free of combustibles.
Avoid working in paint spray rooms, dip tanks, storage areas, ventilators. If the
work cannot be moved, move combustibles away from sparks and heat; or
protect against ignition with suitable 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:
1. appreciable combustibles (including building construction) are within 10m.
2. appreciable combustibles are further than 10m, but can be ignited by
sparks.
3. openings (concealed or visible) in floors or walls can expose combustibles
to sparks.
4. combustibles adjacent to walls, ceilings, roofs or metal partitions can be
ignited by radiant or conducted heat.
After work, 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 the
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 the working level may substitute for inerting.

5
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
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 as they can explode.
In explosive atmospheres, never weld or cut where the air may contain
flammable dust, gas, or liquid vapours.
ELECTRIC ARC (MIG, TIG) WELDING
Comply with precautions in 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 and work pieces
are hot. The wise operator avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and
others from accidents.
A) BURN PROTECTION
The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. It’s 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! FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to
gloves, apron and strong shoes. 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 collars closed to protect the chest and
neck and button any pockets to prevent entry of sparks.
EYE AND HEAD PROTECTION
Protect eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without
protection. Welding helmet or shield containing an appropriate filter plate
(Please refer to the section ‘Welding Shield). 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 high

6
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
intensity gas-shielded arc) can cause a retinal burn thatmay leave a
permanent dark area in the field of vision. Before welding whilst wearing
contact lenses, seek advice from your optician.
PROTECTION OF NEARBY PERSONNEL
For production welding, a separate, well vented 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.
B) TOXIC FUME PREVENTION
Comply with all precautions in 1B.
C) FIRE AND EXPLOSION PREVENTION
Do not overload arc welding equipment. It may overheat cables and cause a
fire. Loose cable connections may overheat or flash and cause a fire. Never
strike an arc on a cylinder 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.
D) 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.
PROTECTION FOR WEARERS OF ELECTRONIC LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES
(PACEMAKERS).
Magnetic fields from high currents can affect pacemaker operation. Persons
wearing pacemakers should consult with their doctor before going near arc
welding or spot welding operations.
E) PROTECTION AGAINST SHOCK
Keep body and clothing dry. Never work in damp area without adequate
insulation against electric 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.

7
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
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.
2) TORCH
A fully insulated torch should be used without protruding screws or other
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) 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. A power disconnect switch
must be available near the welding power source.

8
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
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 danger to the operator.
Avoid welding tanks which may contain flammable residuals.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS FOR MIG WELDING
1. ALWAYS ensure that there is full free air circulating around the outer casing
of the machine, and that the louvres are unobstructed.
2. 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.
3. ALWAYS check that the pressure regulator and gauges (where fitted), are
working correctly. DO NOT lubricate the regulator.
4. ALWAYS use the correct regulator. Regulators are designed to be used with
a specific gases.
5. ALWAYS inspect the torch hose before use to ensure it is in good condition.
6. ALWAYS keep the free length of torch hose outside the work area.
7. ALWAYS remove all flammable materials from the welding area.
8. 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.
WARNING: 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.

9
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
9. The MIG welding process uses an INERT gas to protect the weld pool. It
isimportant 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.
10. NEVER use or store in a damp environment. DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN.
11. ALWAYS keep fire extinguisher handy....’Dry Powder, C02 or BCF, NOT Water
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. NEVER point the MIG torch at any person or animal.
15. NEVER touch the MIG torch nozzle until the welder is switched OFF and the
nozzle has been allowed to cool.
16. NEVER connect, disconnect, or attempt to service the welding torch, until
the machine is switched OFF and disconnected from the mains supply.
17. NEVER allow the earth cable or torch hose to become wrapped around
the operator or any person in the vicinity.
A comprehensive range of CLARKE safety equipment for use when welding is
available from your local dealer.
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.
The welding equipment should be routinely maintained according to the
manufacturer’s 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 manufacturer’s
instructions. In particular, the spark gaps of arc striking and stabilizing devices
should be adjusted and maintained according to the manufacturers
recommendations.

10
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
This product is provided with a standard 13 amp, 230 volt (50Hz), BS 1363 plug,
for connection to a standard, domestic electrical supply. Should the plug
need changing, make sure that a plug of identical specification is used.
If the colours of the wires in the power cable do not correspond with the
markings on the terminals of your plug, proceed as follows.
• Connect the blue
wire to the
terminal which is
marked N.
• Connect the
brown wire to the
terminal which is
marked L.
• Connect the
Yellow and Green
wire to the
terminal which is
marked E or .
We recommend that this machine is connected to the mains supply via a
Residual Current Device (RCD)
If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician. DO NOT attempt any repairs
yourself.
WARNING: READ THESE ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FULLY
BEFORE CONNECTING THE PRODUCT TO THE MAINS SUPPLY.
WARNING: THE WIRES IN THE CABLE ARE COLOURED AS FOLLOWS:
BLUE = NEUTRAL BROWN = LIVE YELLOW AND GREEN = EARTH
Plug must be BS1363/A approved.
Always fit
make sure that the outer sheath of
Neutral
(Blue)
Live
(Brown)
a 13 Amp
the cable is firmly held by the clamp
fuse.
Earth
(Green and
Yellow)

11
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
SAFETY SYMBOLS
INVENTORY
Any damage or deficiency should be reported to your CLARKE dealer
immediately. Some of the components are stored within the machine side
compartment.
The components include the following:
• 1 x Mig Welder
• 1 x Welding Shield
• 1 x Carry Handle
• 1 x Pull Handle
• 1 x Handle Cap
• 1 x Handle Fixings Pack
• 3 x Copper Torch Tips - 2 x 0.8 mm, 1 x 1.0 mm (fitted)
• Mild Steel Wire Mini Spool 0.6mm
• Flux cored mild steel wire mini spool 0.9 mm
• 1 x Instruction Manual
• 1 x Wheel Kit
General Warning. This indicates that failing to follow these
instructions could result in injury or damage to the machine.
Recycle unwanted materials instead of disposing of them as
waste. All tools, accessories and packaging should be sorted,
taken to a recycling centre and disposed of in a manner which is
compatible with the environment.
Read instruction manual before use.

12
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
OVERVIEW
UNPACKING
1. Open the side panel by pushing
the latch down and allowing the
side panel to drop down.
2. Remove any loose items that
have been transported inside
such as the handle, wheel kit etc.
NO DESCRIPTION NO DESCRIPTION
1 Pull Handle 6 Earth Clamp
2 Carry Handle 7 Torch Hose
3 Gas Connection Point 8 Torch
4 Wheels 9 Headshield
5 Control Panel 10

13
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
THE CONTROL PANEL
1. Thermal overload light. If the duty cycle is exceeded as a result of welding
too long with a high current, the yellow overload light will illuminate and the
welder will turn off. When the welder has cooled down (approx. 5 to 10
minutes), the power will be restored and welding can recommence.
2. Power ON/OFF switch. When the power is ON the green switch will be
illuminated. When the welder is no longer required, the Power On/Off switch
should be switched to the OFF position and the plug should be disconnected
from the mains supply.
3. Current setting switches MIN-MAX & 1-2. Used together these two switches
provide 4 increasing power levels as follows:
•MIN-1
•MIN-2
•MAX-1
• MAX-2.
4. Wire speed control knob. As a general rule, a higher current requires a
higher wire speed.
1
2
3
4

14
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
ASSEMBLING THE WELDING SHIELD
1. The welding shield shown on
page 12 is supplied flat for
shipping. Fold the sides of the
shield around and clip to the top
panel.
2. Insert both the glass lens panels
into the recess inside the shield.
• The clear glass must be fitted
first to face the outside.
3. Insert the two plastic screws and
use the plastic wingnuts to clamp
the glass panels to the shield.
• The clear glass panel should be
replaced when it becomes badly
pitted.
4. When replacing the glass panels, only use parts supplied by Clarke
International. The dark panel is a certified, optical glass and should not be
exchanged for any other type.
5. Secure the handle in
position using the plastic
nuts provided.
• The handle will be on the
inside of the shield.

15
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
PREPARATION FOR USE
FITTING THE WHEELS
1. Fit two e-clips onto the axle in the
positions shown.
2. Slide the axle into the wheel
supports.
3. Fit two e-clips onto the opposite
end of the axle in the same
positions.
4. Remove the cap on the wheel
and slide the wheel onto the axle.
5. Secure the wheel using an e-clip.
6. Replace the wheel cap.

16
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
FITTING THE HANDLE
1. Fit the 2 handles together and
secure to the top of the welder
using the screws and washers
supplied.
MOUNTING THE WELDING WIRE SPOOL
NOTE: Spools of welding wire are available from your Clarke Dealer.
1. Open the side panel, by pushing
the latch down and allowing the
side panel to drop down.
2. Remove the locking knob and
retaining disc.
3. Place the spool of welding wire
(not supplied) over the spindle so
that it sits on the spring.
• Do not release the tension on
the wire as it will unravel
causing feeding problems later.
• The wire will feed off the spool anticlockwise from the bottom of the
reel.
• The spool must be fitted with the correct orientation otherwise it will
not feed correctly.
Warning: Ensure that the welder is not connected to the mains supply.

17
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
SETTING THE DRIVE ROLLER SIZE
1. Loosen the tensioning knob and
pivot it towards you.
2. Lift up the arm.
3. Take hold of the triangular knob
on the drive roller cover and
rotate it 90°anticlockwise to
release it.
4. Pull the roller retainer off the drive
spindle to reveal the roller.
5. Pull the roller off the drive spindle.
• The groove size is stamped on
the corresponding side of the
roller. Select the groove size
according to the size of the
wire you are using and put the
roller back on the spindle with
your chosen side facing you.
6. Replace the drive roller cover
back onto the drive spindle with
the opening facing right.
7. Ensure that the flanges at the base of the drive roller cover, seat fully into
the circular recess in the main moulding and then rotate the drive roller
cover through 90° to lock it in place.
THREADING THE WIRE
IMPORTANT: Do not release the tension on the wire as it will unravel causing
feeding problems later.
1. Pull out the end of the wire from the spool, taking care not to release the
tension.
• We recommend you cut off and discard the first 10 cm of wire from
the spool to avoid burrs and then straighten the next 15 cm of wire
to help with feeding.
2. Loosen the tensioning knob and pivot it towards you.
3. Lift up the arm.

18
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
4. Pass the wire through the guide,
over the drive roller and into the
torch liner.
• Push about 10-15 cm into the
torch liner.
5. Lower the arm and replace the
tensioning knob.
• Tighten the tensioning knob
sufficiently to hold firmly, but do
not fully tighten.
NOTE: Correct tension will allow the wire to feed into the torch liner
smoothly, but will allow the drive roller to slip in the event of a
blockage.
6. Close the side panel of the
welder.
7. Pull off the torch shroud with a
twisting movement, then unscrew
the contact tip.
8. Connect the welder to the power
supply and switch ON.
9. Set the ‘WIRE FEED’ rotary control
on the front panel to position 7 or
8 and squeeze the trigger on the
torch body.
• The wire will feed through the
hose until it appears at the
torch tip.
• Ensuring the hose is free from
kinks during this process will
assist the wire in its passage
through the hose liner.
10. Release the trigger and switch off the welder and disconnect the machine
from the mains supply.
11. Refit the appropriate size contact tip (0.9 mm, for no gas welding is
supplied fitted) to suit your wire. then replace the shroud.
• A spare 0.8 mm tip is supplied loose and should be used when using
0.6/0.8 mm mild steel solid wire.
12. Trim the welding wire so that it protrudes no more than 5 mm from the end
of the contact tip.

19
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or [email protected]
MIG WELDING PRINCIPLES
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding allows you to fuse together two similar metals
without altering the properties of the metal.
A consumable wire electrode is continuously fed through the welding torch
that is fitted with a concentric gas nozzle. the wire is connected to a high
voltage supply which creates an electric arc between the electrode (the
wire) and the workpiece. The arc is used to create the required heat to turn
the metal into a molten state. The wire is used as both the electrode and as a
filler.
The gas is used to prevent oxidation and to shield the arc and the weld from
atmospheric contamination. The choice of gas is dependent upon the
material being welded, Two types are available from Clarke International.
When using the welder in a gasless configuration the shielding gas is created
from the flux within the welding wire.
When using the welder outside, you may need to erect a wind break to make
sure the shielding gas is not blown away, thereby leaving a poor quality weld.
GAS/NO-GAS SELECTION
The welder can be configured to
weld, with or without a gas supply
according to the type of welding
wire being used.
• Mild Steel solid core (with gas)
• Flux Cored (no gas)
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) For Mild Steel Part No. 6000642
CO2/Argon Mix For thin sheet metal-Mild
Steel / Stainless Steel
Part No. 6000660

20
Parts & Service: 020 8988 7400 / E-mail: [e-mail] or Servi[email protected]
WELDING WITHOUT GAS
1. If using 0.9mm flux cored wire,
connect the terminal as shown.
• The earth cable (Thicker Lead)
should be connected to the
positive (Red) terminal.
• The cable from torch (Thinner
Lead) should be connected to
the Negative (Black) terminal.
WELDING WITH GAS
1. If using solid cored wire 0.6/0.8mm
wire, connect the terminal as
shown.
• The earth cable (Thicker Lead)
should be connected to the
negative (Black) terminal.
• The cable from torch (Thinner
Lead) should be connected to
the positive (Red) terminal.
CONNECTING THE GAS SUPPLY
2. Connect a bottled gas supply to
the small tube at the back of the
welder.
OPERATING THE WELDER
PREPARING THE WORKPIECE
The area being welded should be perfectly clean. Any coating, plating or
corrosion must be removed, otherwise a good weld will be impossible to
achieve.
Attach the earth clamp to the workpiece as close to the point of weld as
possible, without it being intrusive.