12
gas line from the torch into the gas fitting. Ad-
just welding current with the amp control knob
to desired amp setting. Make sure the tank is
open and the regulator is adjusted to 10 -20 CFH
(5-10 lpm). If using Live Lift start, place the
cup on the metal, then lightly roll the tip of the
tungsten to the metal to start the arc. Next,
press the torch switch (or foot pedal) and quick-
ly lift up to a distance of 1/8” or less to begin
welding. If using Lift TIG start, make sure the
torch switch or foot pedal is connected, roll the
torch to the metal as directed above, then acti-
vate the foot pedal or torch switch while the
tungsten is making contact. Immediately lift up
to initiate the arc once the torch is fully down.
In either mode: If the arc does not start, reposi-
tion the work clamp to make direct contact with
the metal that is being welded. If possible, do
not route the work clamp to a table leg or any
point that is not the part being welded. If it is
not possible, make the current path as short as
possible between the work clamp and the work
piece. Make sure it is connected at a cleaned
spot, free of paint and rust and that it is making
good contact. See page 24 for more arc starting
and operation information.
The down-slope and 2T/4T/Pedal function are
related in function to each other. 2T/4T modes
are used exclusively with the torch switch.
These modes make it easier to work in tight
spaces or positions where a foot pedal isn ’t
practical. 2T mode represents a simple “press
and hold” function. This allows the arc to start
by pressing down on the torch trigger to start
the arc and then continue to weld by maintaining
pressure on the torch switch. When 4T is select-
ed, the torch trigger must be pressed down to
start the arc. Once the arc is started and stable,
the torch trigger can be released. The unit ’s pro-
gramming will then automatically slope (raise)
the amperage to the welding current set on the
panel. To stop the arc in 4T mode, once again,
press and hold the torch trigger. As the trigger
is held, the arc amperage begins to slope down,
lowering the heat. This allows time to fill the
weld crater (puddle at the end of the weld) and
adds a measure of control over the cooling cycle
of the weld. The down -slope time controls the
amount of time allowed to fill and finish the weld
before the terminal amperage (minimum amper-
age) is reached. To finish: terminate the arc and
start the post-flow cycle by releasing the torch
switch. The second release of the torch switch
is the final stage of the weld cycle. This allows
time for extra filler metal to be added to fill and
round off the top of the crater (the unfilled, bot-
tom part of the weld puddle). This feature helps
control crater cracks which cause premature
weld failures. Setting at down -slope time is an
important part of using correct weld technique.
While no exact setting for down -slope time is
recommended per amps used, it is a good idea
to always maintain enough time so that one or
two extra dabs of the welding rod can be added
the puddle begins to cool. This will round off
the end of the weld and help prevent cracking
which is prone to start at the weld crater. Usual-
ly, no less than 1 to 2 seconds should be used.
If using the foot pedal, down-slope is performed
manually through backing down the pedal, mak-
ing the use of the down-slope redundant.
The foot pedal is used to start the arc and con-
trol the amps within the range set on the panel.
Note: A low Amp setting may require further
downward travel than normal to start the arc or
change the Amps. This is normal because
changing the Amperage changes the resolution
of the pedal. This also may contribute to a more
sluggish feel of the foot pedal but does increase
control. If a more rapid reaction to the pedal is
needed, increase maximum Amperage on the
panel. This will give more Amps than needed,
but will provide the level of control expected.
Basic Stick Operation Information:
The stick function of this machine has several
adjustable features that help change the arc
characteristics. It also has some features
geared specifically for safety. To begin with, be
sure to select the stick icon before starting to
weld. Arc striking can be done quite easily with
practice. See page 21 for more information on
arc striking and stick welding techniques. The
Hot Start helps to reduce sticking during initial
arc striking. The Hot Start is adjustable for in-
tensity, and duration. The intensity of the Hot
Start can be set from 0 -100% over available hot
start amperage. The duration of the hot start
once the arc is struck may be adjusted up to 2
seconds. Old welding electrodes (rods) or dirty,
rusted or painted metal may require greater ac-
tion. For most purposes, hot starts less than
50% and less than 3/4 of a second are generally
desired. As amperage increases, the available
Hot Start action will be diminished due to the
fact there is less overall amperage available in
the upper amp range of the machine. In short, if
amperage is raised to or approaches the maxi-
mum output limit of the welder, the hot start
action will be less noticeable. This is most ap-
parent when welding with 120V. To achieve bet-
General Setup and OperationSection 2