11
over-currents internally and limits amp draw from the
power source, it also helps to improve arc termina-
on. When converng over from a transformer a
welder with a habit of stretching the arc too far may
nd the arc will stop suddenly. Constant Current
Inverters operate on somewhat dierent principles
than Constant Current transformers so some retrain-
ing and even rethinking may be necessary by welders
who have developed an exaggerated moon using a
transformer welder. A praccal example is during
the whipping moon required when welding E6010.
If the welder is accustomed to exaggerang the whip-
ping moon required, then the arc may go out. This
usually happens when the p of the rod is ipped too
far up vercally at the end of the “whip” and raises
the p up further than necessary. This can be simply
avoided if the rod is stepped out further in front of
the puddle with less ipping up to draw out the arc.
2.2 Basic Overview and operaon.
Package:
The PowerARC 300ST includes a sck electrode holder
with cable, and a work clamp with cable. Cables are
approximately 10 . in length. Longer cables can be
added to electrode holder, work clamp and connect-
ors. This unit does not include TIG torch or regulator.
Sck:
The sck funcon is fairly simple and straight forward.
Arc striking can be done quite easily with pracce and
the hot start reduces scking. As with any type of
welding, this takes pracce. Be sure to double check
that the electrode holder cable is located in the posi-
ve terminal, and the work clamp is located in one of
the negave terminals. See page 17 for arc striking
technique and general rod size selecon. Using too
much hot start or arc force control can result in burn
through. Using too lile will result in poor arc perfor-
mance and rod scking.
TIG:
Although the PA 300ST is sold as a DC Sck welder, the
unit can be used as a li-start DC TIG welder for weld-
ing most all metals except aluminum and magnesium.
The unit though does not provide a HF circuit, foot
pedal or torch switch for starng the arc, so a li start
method must be used to strike the arc. Note: The
torch will always be powered. Avoid touching the
tungsten to the metal unl ready to weld. When using
for li TIG, be sure to turn the arc force and hot start
controls to the minimum seng. Contact Everlast for
an oponal TIG package if desired, or source one local-
ly at a nearby welding supply store.
2.3 Handling and general maintenance.
Duty Cycle and Overcurrent:
Be careful to observe the duty cycle of the welder.
Overheang may occur if the duty cycle is exceeded.
Overheang will cause the unit safety cutout to en-
gage, subsequently interrupng output. Allow the unit
to rest while remaining switched on for 10 –15 minutes
if the safety cut out has triggered. Aer that, reset the
unit by cycling the main power switch on the rear.
High heat and humid condions will also aect the
duty cycle of the welder. If the unit overheats or an
overcurrent condion is experienced, the duty cycle
light will light as well. Welding will resume once the
duty cycle light is cleared aer resng and cycling the
power switch. An over current or under current condi-
on is usually caused by dirty power condions, over/
under voltage power supply or an internal fault. If the
overcurrent light is lit, turn the machine o and check
for wiring faults, then turn the unit back on to see if
the light has cleared. If it does not clear, contact Ever-
last technical support for further instrucon. The unit
should be stored in a dry place for long term storage.
Humid/wet condions can contribute to the eventual
decay of the circuitry in the machine. For safety rea-
sons, do not use this machine directly in the rain or
with soaked clothing or damp protecve gear. The
service rang for this unit is IP21S, and is not designed
for wet environment use.
Make sure that the unit’s cooling fan and exhaust
vents are kept free of obstrucon. Before every oper-
aon, inspect unit for unexpected obstrucons such as
insect and vermin nests. Once a month, or as needed,
clean the machine thoroughly inside and out with com-
pressed air. Before removing the covers however, un-
plug the welder for 30 minutes to allow the internal
capacitors to discharge to prevent shock, injury and
even death. Aerwards, open the units by removing
the rear plasc cover and the metal cover only. Do not
remove the front cover. Do not remove circuit boards
unless authorized. Check all plugs and connecons for
ghtness before replacing the covers. Do not pinch
any wires when reinstalling the covers. Wear safety
glasses/goggles to prevent eye injury from ying par-
cles that may get dislodged while cleaning with com-
pressed air. Do not concentrate compressed air on the
skin or serious injury may occur.
GENERAL SETUP AND OPERATIONSection 2