ESAB Multimaster-260 Owner's manual

Multimaster-260
MIG/TIG/STICK WELDING PACKAGE
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION for F15-611-F
October, 2008
Console - P/N 0558001513 (208/230 vac 1 Phase)
Console - P/N 0558001514 (230/460/575 vac 1 Phase)

2
This equipment will perform in conformity with the description thereof contained in this manual and accompa-
nying labels and/or inserts when installed, operated, maintained and repaired in accordance with the instruc-
tions provided. This equipment must be checked periodically. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment
should not be used. Parts that are broken, missing, worn, distorted or contaminated should be replaced imme-
diately. Should such repair or replacement become necessary, the manufacturer recommends that a telephone
or written request for service advice be made to the Authorized Distributor from whom it was purchased.
This equipment or any of its parts should not be altered without the prior written approval of the manufacturer.
The user of this equipment shall have the sole responsibility for any malfunction which results from improper
use, faulty maintenance, damage, improper repair or alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer or a ser-
vice facility designated by the manufacturer.
BE SURE THIS INFORMATION REACHES THE OPERATOR.
YOU CAN GET EXTRA COPIES THROUGH YOUR SUPPLIER.
These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the
principles of operation and safe practices for arc welding and cutting equipment, we urge
you to read our booklet, “Precautions and Safe Practices for Arc Welding, Cutting, and
Gouging,” Form 52-529. Do NOT permit untrained persons to install, operate, or maintain
this equipment. Do NOT attempt to install or operate this equipment until you have read
and fully understand these instructions. If you do not fully understand these instructions,
contact your supplier for further information. Be sure to read the Safety Precautions be-
fore installing or operating this equipment.
CAUTION
USER RESPONSIBILITY
READ AND UNDERSTAND THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING OR OPERATING.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS!

3
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION TITLE................................................................................................................................................ PAGE
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.........................................................................................................................................................5
1.0 Safety Precautions.....................................................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Safety - English ...........................................................................................................................................................................5
1.2 La seguridad - español.............................................................................................................................................................9
1.3 La sûreté - français..................................................................................................................................................................13
SECTION 2 DESCRIPTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.1 General ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.2 RECEIVING-HANDLING.......................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.3 DESCRIPTION ........................................................................................................................................................................... 17
2.4 OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT ........................................................................................................................................................ 18
SECTION 3 INSTALLATION ....................................................................................................................................................................... 21
3.1 LOCATION ................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
3.2 HANDLE ASSEMBLY & INSTALLATION.............................................................................................................................. 21
3.3 ELECTRICAL INPUT CONNECTIONS.................................................................................................................................. 21
3.4 VOLTAGE CHANGEOVER....................................................................................................................................................... 22
3.5 SECONDARY OUTPUT CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 22
3.6 “NAS”TORCH CONNECTION................................................................................................................................................ 22
3.7 WIRE FEEDER MECHANISM ................................................................................................................................................. 22
3.8 CONNECTION OF SHIELDING GAS SUPPLY.................................................................................................................... 24
SECTION 4 OPERATION ............................................................................................................................................................................. 25
4.1 STANDARD CONTROLS......................................................................................................................................................... 25
4.2 OPTIONAL CONTROLS .......................................................................................................................................................... 27
4.3 OPERATING PROCEDURES................................................................................................................................................... 28
4.4 MIG WELDING SET-UP ........................................................................................................................................................... 30
4.5 TIG WELDING SET-UP............................................................................................................................................................. 32
4.6 STICK WELDING SET-UP........................................................................................................................................................ 33
SECTION 5 MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................................................................... 35
5.1 MAINTENANCE AND SERVICE ............................................................................................................................................35
5.2 INSPECTION AND SERVICE .................................................................................................................................................. 35
Schematics................................................................................................................................................................................ 37
SECTION 6 REPLACEMENT PARTS........................................................................................................................................................ 43
6.0 Replacement Parts ................................................................................................................................................................. 43
6.1 General....................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
6.2 Ordering..................................................................................................................................................................................... 43

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

5
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1.0 Safety Precautions 1.1 Safety - English
WARNING: These Safety Precautions are
for your protection. They summarize pre-
cautionaryinformationfromthereferences
listed in Additional Safety Information sec-
tion. Before performing any installation or operating
procedures,besuretoreadandfollowthesafetyprecau-
tions listed below as well as all other manuals, material
safety data sheets, labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety
Precautions can result in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS --
Some welding, cutting, and gouging
processes are noisy and require ear
protection.Thearc,likethesun,emits
ultraviolet (UV) and other radiation
and can injure skin and eyes. Hot metal can cause
burns. Training in the proper use of the processes
and equipment is essential to prevent accidents.
Therefore:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any
workarea,even if weldinghelmets,face shields,and
goggles are also required.
2. Use a face shield tted with the correct lter and
cover plates to protect your eyes, face, neck, and
ears from sparks and rays of the arc when operating
or observing operations. Warn bystanders not to
watch the arc and not to expose themselves to the
rays of the electric-arc or hot metal.
3. Wear ameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-
sleeve shirt, cuess trousers, high-topped shoes,
and a welding helmet or cap for hair protection, to
protect against arc rays and hot sparks or hot metal.
A ameproof apron may also be desirable as protec-
tion against radiated heat and sparks.
4. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves,
trouser cus, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should
bekeptbuttoned,andopenpocketseliminatedfrom
the front of clothing.
5. Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot
sparks with a suitable non-ammable partition or
curtains.
6. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag
or grinding. Chipped slag may be hot and can y far.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety
glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS -- Heat from
ames and arcs can start res. Hot
slag or sparks can also cause res and
explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from
the work area or cover the materials with a protec-
tivenon-ammablecovering.Combustiblematerials
include wood, cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels,
solvents, paints and coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or
crevices in oors or wall openings and cause a hid-
densmolderingreor resontheoorbelow. Make
certain that such openings are protected from hot
sparks and metal.“
3. Do not weld,cut or perform other hot work until the
workpiecehasbeencompletelycleanedsothatthere
are no substances on the workpiece which might
produce ammable or toxic vapors. Do not do hot
work on closed containers. They may explode.
4. Havereextinguishingequipmenthandyforinstant
use, such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket,
orportablereextinguisher. Besureyou aretrained
in its use.
5. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For ex-
ample, overloaded welding cable can overheat and
create a re hazard.
6. After completing operations, inspect the work area
to make certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal
whichcouldcausealaterre.Userewatcherswhen
necessary.
7. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard
51B, "Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding
Processes", available from the National Fire Protec-
tion Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
02269.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK -- Contact with
live electrical parts and ground can
cause severeinjury or death.DONOT
useACweldingcurrentindampareas,
if movement is conned, or if there is
danger of falling.

6
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
1. Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is con-
nected to the ground system of the input power.
2. Connect the workpiece to a good electrical
ground.
3. Connect the work cable to the workpiece. A poor
or missing connection can expose you or others
to a fatal shock.
4. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or
damaged cables.
5. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work
area, cables, torch/electrode holder, and power
source.
6. Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated
from work and from ground.
7. Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while
working in tight quarters or a damp area; stand
on dry boards or an insulating platform and wear
rubber-soled shoes.
8. Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the
power.
9. Turn o the power before removing your gloves.
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (listed on
next page) for specic grounding recommenda-
tions. Do not mistake the work lead for a ground
cable.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS
— May be dangerous. Electric cur-
rent owing through any conduc-
tor causes localized Electric and
Magnetic Fields (EMF).Welding and
cuttingcurrentcreatesEMF aroundweldingcables
and welding machines. Therefore:
1. Welders having pacemakers should consult their
physician before welding. EMF may interfere with
some pacemakers.
2. ExposuretoEMFmayhaveotherhealtheectswhich
are unknown.
3. Welders should use the following procedures to
minimize exposure to EMF:
A. Route the electrode and work cables together.
Secure them with tape when possible.
B. Never coil the torch or work cable around your
body.
C. Do not place your body between the torch and
work cables. Route cables on the same side of
your body.
D. Connecttheworkcabletothe workpieceasclose
as possible to the area being welded.
E. Keep welding power source and cables as far
away from your body as possible.
FUMES AND GASES -- Fumes and
gases,cancausediscomfortorharm,
particularly in conned spaces. Do
notbreathefumesandgases.Shield-
ing gases can cause asphyxiation.
Therefore:
1. Alwaysprovideadequateventilationintheworkarea
bynaturalormechanicalmeans.Donotweld,cut,or
gouge on materials such as galvanized steel, stain-
less steel, copper, zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium
unless positive mechanical ventilation is provided.
Do not breathe fumes from these materials.
2. Donotoperateneardegreasingandsprayingopera-
tions.The heat or arc rays can react with chlorinated
hydrocarbon vapors to form phosgene, a highly
toxic gas, and other irritant gases.
3. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat ir-
ritation while operating, this is an indication that
ventilation is not adequate. Stop work and take
necessary steps to improve ventilation in the work
area. Do not continue to operate if physical discom-
fort persists.
4. RefertoANSI/ASCStandardZ49.1(seelistingbelow)
for specic ventilation recommendations.

7
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5. WARNING: Thisproduct,whenusedforwelding
or cutting, produces fumes or gases
which contain chemicals known to
the State of California to cause birth
defects and, in some cases, cancer.
(California Health & Safety Code
§25249.5 et seq.)
CYLINDER HANDLING -- Cylinders,
if mishandled, can rupture and vio-
lently release gas. Sudden rupture
of cylinder, valve, or relief device can
injure or kill. Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use the
proper pressure reducing regulator designed to
operate from the compressed gas cylinder. Do not
use adaptors. Maintain hoses and ttings in good
condition.Followmanufacturer'soperatinginstruc-
tions for mounting regulator to a compressed gas
cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by
chain or strap to suitable hand trucks, undercar-
riages, benches, walls, post, or racks. Never secure
cylinders to work tables or xtures where they may
become part of an electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have
valve protection cap in place if regulator is not con-
nected.Secureandmovecylindersbyusingsuitable
hand trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locatecylindersawayfromheat,sparks,andames.
Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. Foradditionalinformation,refertoCGAStandardP-1,
"PrecautionsforSafeHandlingofCompressedGases
in Cylinders", which is available from Compressed
Gas Association, 1235 Jeerson Davis Highway,
Arlington, VA 22202.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE -- Faulty or
improperly maintained equipment can
cause injury or death. Therefore:
1. Alwayshavequaliedpersonnelperformthe instal-
lation, troubleshooting, and maintenance work.
Do not perform any electrical work unless you are
qualied to perform such work.
2. Before performing any maintenance work inside a
power source, disconnect the power source from
the incoming electrical power.
3. Maintaincables,groundingwire,connections,power
cord, and power supply in safe working order. Do
not operate any equipment in faulty condition.
4. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep
equipmentawayfromheatsourcessuchasfurnaces,
wet conditions such as water puddles, oil or grease,
corrosive atmospheres and inclement weather.
5. Keepallsafetydevicesandcabinetcoversinposition
and in good repair.
6. Use equipment only for its intended purpose. Do
not modify it in any manner.
ADDITIONALSAFETYINFORMATION--For
more information on safe practices for
electric arc welding and cutting equip-
ment, ask your supplier for a copy of
"Precautions and Safe Practices for Arc
Welding, Cutting and Gouging", Form
52-529.
The following publications, which are available from
theAmericanWeldingSociety,550N.W.LeJueneRoad,
Miami, FL 33126, are recommended to you:
1. ANSI/ASC Z49.1 - "Safety in Welding and Cutting"
2. AWS C5.1 - "Recommended Practices for Plasma Arc
Welding"
3. AWS C5.2 - "Recommended Practices for Plasma Arc
Cutting"
4. AWS C5.3 - "Recommended Practices for Air Carbon
Arc Gouging and Cutting"

8
SECTION 1 SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
5. AWS C5.5 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Tung-
sten Arc Welding“
6. AWS C5.6 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Metal
Arc Welding"“
7. AWS SP - "Safe Practices" - Reprint, Welding Hand-
book.
8. ANSI/AWS F4.1, "Recommended Safe Practices for
Welding and Cutting of Containers That Have Held
Hazardous Substances."
MEANING OF SYMBOLS - As used
throughout this manual: Means Atten-
tion! Be Alert! Your safety is involved.
Meansimmediatehazardswhich,
if not avoided, will result in im-
mediate, serious personal injury
or loss of life.
Means potential hazards which
could result in personal injury or
loss of life.
Meanshazardswhichcouldresult
in minor personal injury.

9
SECTION 1 SEGURIDAD
1.2 Safety - Spanish
ADVERTENCIA: Estas Precauciones de Se-
guridad son para su protección. Ellas hacen
resumen de información proveniente de las
referencias listadas en la sección "Información Adi-
cional Sobre La Seguridad". Antes de hacer cualquier
instalación o procedimiento de operación , asegúrese
de leer y seguir las precauciones de seguridad listadas
a continuación así como también todo manual, hoja
de datos de seguridad del material, calcomanias, etc.
El no observar las Precauciones de Seguridad puede
resultar en daño a la persona o muerte.
PROTEJASE USTED Y A LOS DEMAS--
Algunosprocesosdesoldadura,corte
y ranurado son ruidosos y requiren
protección para los oídos. El arco,
como el sol , emite rayos ultravioleta
(UV) y otras radiaciones que pueden dañar la piel
y los ojos. El metal caliente causa quemaduras. EL
entrenamiento en el uso propio de los equipos y
sus procesos es esencial para prevenir accidentes.
Por lo tanto:
1. Utilicegafasdeseguridadconprotecciónaloslados
siempre que esté en el área de trabajo, aún cuando
esté usando careta de soldar, protector para su cara
u otro tipo de protección.
2. Use una careta que tenga el ltro correcto y lente
para proteger sus ojos, cara, cuello, y oídos de las
chispas y rayos del arco cuando se esté operando y
observando las operaciones. Alerte a todas las per-
sonas cercanas de no mirar el arco y no exponerse
a los rayos del arco eléctrico o el metal fundido.
3. Use guantes de cuero a prueba de fuego, camisa
pesada de mangas largas, pantalón de ruedo liso,
zapatoalto al tobillo,y caretadesoldarconcapucha
para el pelo, para proteger el cuerpo de los rayos y
chispas calientes provenientes del metal fundido.
En ocaciones un delantal a prueba de fuego es
necesario para protegerse del calor radiado y las
chispas.
4. Chispasypartículasdemetalcalientepuedealojarse
en las mangas enrolladas de la camisa , el ruedo del
pantalón o los bolsillos. Mangas y cuellos deberán
mantenerse abotonados, bolsillos al frente de la
camisa deberán ser cerrados o eliminados.
5. Proteja a otras personas de los rayos del arco y chis-
pascalientesconunacortina adecuadano-amable
como división.
6. Use careta protectora además de sus gafas de segu-
ridad cuando esté removiendo escoria o puliendo.
La escoria puede estar caliente y desprenderse con
velocidad. Personas cercanas deberán usar gafas
de seguridad y careta protectora.
FUEGO Y EXPLOSIONES -- El calor de
las amas y el arco pueden ocacionar
fuegos. Escoria caliente y las chispas
pueden causar fuegos y explosiones.
Por lo tanto:
1. Remueva todo material combustible lejos del área
de trabajo o cubra los materiales con una cobija a
pruebadefuego.Materialescombustibles incluyen
madera, ropa, líquidos y gases amables, solventes,
pinturas, papel, etc.
2. Chispasypartículasdemetalpuedenintroducirseen
las grietas y agujeros de pisos y paredes causando
fuegos escondidos en otros niveles o espacios.
Asegúresedequetodagrietayagujeroestécubierto
para proteger lugares adyacentes contra fuegos.
3. No corte, suelde o haga cualquier otro trabajo
relacionado hasta que la pieza de trabajo esté to-
talmente limpia y libre de substancias que puedan
producir gases inamables o vapores tóxicos. No
trabaje dentro o fuera de contenedores o tanques
cerrados.Estospuedenexplotarsicontienenvapores
inamables.
4. Tenga siempre a la mano equipo extintor de fu-
ego para uso instantáneo, como por ejemplo una
manguera con agua, cubeta con agua, cubeta con
arena, o extintor portátil. Asegúrese que usted esta
entrenado para su uso.
5. Nouseelequipofueradesurangodeoperación.Por
ejemplo, el calor causado por cable sobrecarga en
los cables de soldar pueden ocasionar un fuego.
6. Despuésdetermirarlaoperacióndelequipo,inspec-
cione el área de trabajo para cerciorarse de que las
chispas o metal caliente ocasionen un fuego más
tarde. Tenga personal asignado para vigilar si es
necesario.
7. Para información adicional , haga referencia a la
publicación NFPA Standard 51B, "Fire Prevention in
Use of Cutting and Welding Processes", disponible
a través de la National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
CHOQUE ELECTRICO -- El contacto
con las partes eléctricas energizadas
y tierra puede causar daño severo o
muerte. NO use soldadura de corri-
ente alterna (AC) en áreas húmedas,
de movimiento connado en lugares estrechos o
si hay posibilidad de caer al suelo.

10
SECTION 1 SEGURIDAD
1. Asegúrese de que el chasis de la fuente de poder
esté conectado a tierra através del sistema de
electricidad primario.
2. Conecte la pieza de trabajo a un buen sistema de
tierra física.
3. Conecte el cable de retorno a la pieza de trabajo.
Cables y conductores expuestos o con malas
conexiones pueden exponer al operador u otras
personas a un choque eléctrico fatal.
4. Use el equipo solamente si está en buenas condi-
ciones. Reemplaze cables rotos, dañados o con
conductores expuestos.
5. Mantengatodoseco,incluyendosuropa,eláreade
trabajo, los cables, antorchas, pinza del electrodo,
y la fuente de poder.
6. Asegúrese que todas las partes de su cuerpo están
insuladas de ambos, la pieza de trabajo y tierra.
7. Noseparedirectamentesobremetalotierramien-
tras trabaja en lugares estrechos o áreas húmedas;
trabaje sobre un pedazo de madera seco o una
plataforma insulada y use zapatos con suela de
goma.
8. Useguantessecosysinagujerosantesdeenergizar
el equipo.
9. Apage el equipo antes de quitarse sus guantes.
10. Use como referencia la publicación ANSI/ASC
StandardZ49.1(listado en lapróxima página) para
recomendacionesespecícasdecomoconectarel
equipo a tierra. No confunda el cable de soldar a
la pieza de trabajo con el cable a tierra.
CAMPOS ELECTRICOS Y MAGNETI-
COS - Son peligrosos. La corriente
eléctrica uye através de cualquier
conductor causando a nivel local
Campos Eléctricos y Magnéticos
(EMF). Lascorrienteseneláreadecorteysoldadura,
crean EMF alrrededor de los cables de soldar y las
maquinas. Por lo tanto:
1. Soldadores u Operadores que use marca-pasos para
el corazón deberán consultar a su médico antes de
soldar. El Campo Electromagnético (EMF) puede
interferir con algunos marca-pasos.
2.Exponerseacamposelectromagnéticos(EMF)puede
causar otros efectos de salud aún desconocidos.
3.Los soldadores deberán usar los siguientes proced-
imientos para minimizar exponerse al EMF:
A. Mantenga el electrodo y el cable a la pieza de
trabajo juntos, hasta llegar a la pieza que usted
quiere soldar. Asegúrelos uno junto al otro con
cinta adhesiva cuando sea posible.
B. Nunca envuelva los cables de soldar alrededor
de su cuerpo.
C. Nunca ubique su cuerpo entre la antorcha y el
cable, a la pieza de trabajo. Mantega los cables a
un sólo lado de su cuerpo.
D. Conecte el cable de trabajo a la pieza de trabajo
lo más cercano posible al área de la soldadura.
E. Mantengalafuentedepoderyloscablesdesoldar
lo más lejos posible de su cuerpo.
HUMO Y GASES -- El humo y los
gases, pueden causar malestar o
daño, particularmente en espacios
sin ventilación. No inhale el humo
o gases. El gas de protección puede
causar falta de oxígeno.
Por lo tanto:
1. Siempre provea ventilación adecuada en el área
de trabajo pormedio natural o mecánico.Nosolde,
corte, o ranure materiales con hierro galvanizado,
acero inoxidable, cobre, zinc, plomo, berílio, o cad-
mio a menos que provea ventilación mecánica
positiva . No respire los gases producidos por
estos materiales.
2. No opere cerca de lugares donde se aplique sub-
stancias químicas en aerosol. El calor de los rayos
del arco pueden reaccionar con los vapores de
hidrocarburo clorinado para formar un fosfógeno,
o gas tóxico, y otros irritant es.
3. Si momentáneamente desarrolla inrritación de
ojos, nariz o garganta mientras est á operando, es
indicación de que la ventilación no es apropiada.
Pare de trabajar y tome las medidas necesarias
para mejorar la ventilación en el área de trabajo.
No continúe operando si el malestar físico per-
siste.
4. Hagareferenciaalapublicación ANSI/ASC Standard
Z49.1 (Vea la lista a continuación) para recomen-
daciones especícas en la ventilación.