MasterCraft MIG User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED
WELDER KIT
058-8195-2

Quick Start Guide
If any parts are
missing or damaged,
or if you have any
questions, please call
1-800-689-9928.
Read and understand this instruction manual
thoroughly before using the product. It contains
important information for your safety as well as
operating and maintenance advice.
Keep this instruction manual for future use. Should
this product be passed on to a third party, then this
instruction manual must be included.
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2

QUICK START GUIDE
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
STEP 1
Installing the wire
Remove the nozzle (1) and contact tip (2) from
the end of the torch assembly. Identify the
leading end of the wire secured on the edge of
the wire spool. Place the spool on the hub with
the wire passing from the bottom of spool into
the drive mechanism.
pages 16-17, steps 1-4
STEP 2
Setting the wire tension
Press the trigger on the gun. Turn the drive
tension adjustment knob (1) clockwise, and
increase the drive tension until the wire seems
to feed smoothly without slipping.
page 18, steps 1-2
MC-588195-06
1
2
MC-588195-24
1

STEP 3
Operation
Hold the torch in one hand and turn the wire
speed dial with the other hand to its maximum
position. Pull the trigger (1) on the torch to
start an arc. Drag the torch toward the user
while simultaneously turning the wire speed
dial counterclockwise. page 20,
steps 4-5
(Please see page 21 for welding techniques if
needed.) MC-588195-25
1

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
2
QUICK START GUIDE
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 3
SAFETY GUIDELINES 4–8
KEY PARTS DIAGRAM 9
IMPORTANT INFORMATION 10–13
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS 14–18
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS 19–27
MAINTENANCE 28
TROUBLESHOOTING 29–30
MAIN CIRCUIT CHART 31
EXPLODED VIEW 32
PARTS LIST 33
WARRANTY 34–35

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
3
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
POWER SUPPLY single-phase, 120 V, 60 Hz
NO-LOAD VOLTAGE 30V
OUTPUT CURRENT 35-80 A (Peak 130 A)
DUTY CYCLE 20% @ 80 A
WIRE USED MIG and flux-core wire
WIRE DIAMETER 0.023", 0.030", 0.035"
DIMENSIONS (L x W x H) 17.6" x 9.4"x 14.5"
WEIGHT 62 lb 10 oz
(28.42 kg)
Welding mode Materials For metal thickness Use wire size
Flux core Steel
20-gauge-5/32"
0.03" (1/32") 0.8 mm
0.035" (5/128") 0.9 mm
5/128-5/32"
1.0-4.0 mm
MIG Steel, Stainless steel
20-gauge-1/8"
0.03" (1/32") 0.8 mm
0.023" (3/128") 0.6 mm
5/128-1/8"
1.0-3.0 mm

SAFETY GUIDELINES
4
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
This manual contains information that relates to PROTECTING PERSONAL SAFETY and PREVENTING
EQUIPMENT PROBLEMS. It is very important to read this manual carefully and understand it
thoroughly before using the product. The symbols listed below are used to indicate this information.
Note- The word “Note” is used to inform the
reader of something he/she needs to know about
the tool.
PERSONAL SAFETY
These precautions are intended for the personal safety of the user and others working with the user.
Please take time to read and understand them.
DANGER!
Potential hazard that will result in serious
injury or loss of life.
WARNING!
Potential hazard that could result in
serious injury or loss of life.
CAUTION!
Potential hazard that may result in
moderate injury or damage to equipment.

SAFETY GUIDELINES
5
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
DANGER!
Potential hazard that will result in serious injury or loss of life.
•Keep children or other personnel away from the work area while welding. Do
not allow children to handle the welder.
•Do not use the welder in the presence of flammable liquids or gases. Sparks
that are created during use may ignite gases.
• Do not operate the welder in humid, wet, or poorly ventilated areas.
• Use appropriate shield to prevent other personnel from being affected by
harmful rays.
• Always ensure that a fire extinguisher is available in adequate distance
within the welding environment.
• Do not repair or maintain the welder while the power is on.
•Risk of electric shock: Do not touch electrical live parts or metal
components connected to the welding wire, as doing so may cause fatal
shock and severe burns. Secure the ground lead before welding. Wear dry
protective apparel like coat, shirt, gloves, and insulated footwear.
•Risk for breathing: Never directly inhale the emission of harmful fumes when
welding on coated materials like galvanized, cadmium plated or contacting
zinc, mercury, or barium.
•Risk of fire: Do not weld on containers or pipes that contain flammable,
gaseous, or liquid combustibles. Remove all flammable materials within 35
feet of the welding arc or tightly cover the flammabe materials with fireproof
covers. To prevent any unintended arcs after welding, cut off the excess wire
that extends past the end of the nozzle more than ¼".
•Risk of burns: Do not touch the welded materials with bare hands, as the
welded materials are hot and can cause severe burns.

SAFETY GUIDELINES
6
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
•Risk of explosion: Keep high pressure shielding gas cylinder away from
welding or electrical circuits. Do not touch the cylinder with MIG gun and do
not weld on the cylinder. Use proper regulators, gas hoses, and fittings for
the specific application.
• Do not expose the welder to rain.
•Risk of UV and IR arc rays: Do not look at the welding arc without proper eye
protection, as the welding arc produces ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) rays.
Use screens or other barriers to protect other personnel from the rays.

SAFETY GUIDELINES
7
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
WARNING!
Potential hazard that could result in serious injury or loss of life.
•Do not allow unskilled or untrained individuals to install and operate this
welder.
•Before operating the welder, check the insulation of the ground cable, power
cord, and welding cable for damage. Replace or repair the damaged
components before using the welder.
• Keep hands and fingers away from moving parts and stay away from the
drive rolls while the welder is in use.
• Do not allow any body part of the user to come in contact with the welding
wire while holding the welding gun.
• Do not allow the user to drape cables over or around the body.
• Do not point MIG gun toward the user or other personnel.
• Do not allow a person to use electronic devices such as pacemakers in the
welding area.
• Consult a doctor before using any electric arc welder or cutting device.

SAFETY GUIDELINES
8
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
Note: Recycle the unwanted materials rather than disposing of it as waste. Sort the tools, hoses, and
packaging in specific categories and take to the local recycling center or dispose of it in an
environmentally safe way.
CAUTION!
Potential hazard that may result in moderate injury or damage to
equipment.
• Do not operate the welder if the output cable electrode, MIG gun, wire or
wire feed system is wet. All the components and the welder must be
completely dry before attempting to use the welder.
•Keep the welder in the OFF position when it is not in use.
•Do not wear watches, rings, bracelets, or loose clothing when using the
welder.
• Maintain a correct position while using the welder. Mount the welder on a
secure bench or cart to prevent if from tipping over or falling.
• Connect the ground lead as close to the area being welded to ensure proper
ground connection.
• Wear a full covered helmet, proper gloves, and protective clothing such as
leather shirt, coat, pant, and insulated footwear to prevent the skin from
being exposed to hot metals while welding.
• Do not overload the welder to prevent it from being heated. Allow proper
cooling time between duty cycles.
•Use safety goggles and ear protection:
Wear safety glasses with side shields when operating the
tool and verify that others in the work area are also wearing
safety glasses. Safety glasses must conform to American
National Standards Institute (ANSI Z87.1) requirements and
must provide protection from flying particles from the front
and the sides.
Always wear ear protection to help prevent hearing damage
and loss. Failure to comply may result in moderate injury.
MC-OM-01

KEY PARTS DIAGRAM
9
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
No. Description No. Description
1 MIN/MAX voltage setting 5 MIG torch
2 1/2 voltage setting 6 Thermal overload indicator
3 Wire feed setting 7 ON/OFF switch
4 Ground cable and clamp
1
6
72
3
4
MC-588195-01
5

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
10
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
General usage description
The Mastercraft® portable and gasless MIG/Flux-Core Wire Feed Welder Kit uses AC single phase
120V, 60 Hz/20A with a time delayed fuse or circuit breaker. The kit provides two heat settings,
infinite wire speed control, overload and thermal protection. The welder kit can be used for welding
mild steel 20 gauge to 1/8" using flux core wire only in light industrial applications.
Guidelines for proper usage and description
REMOVING FROM CARTON
1. Remove cartons, bags, or styrofoam containing the welder and accessories.
2. Check the contents with the packaging list below.
After unpacking the welder unit, inspect for any damage that may have occurred during transit.
Check for loose, missing, or damaged parts. A shipping damage claim must be filled with carrier.
ON/OFF switch
This switch is used to turn the power supply of the welder kit ON and OFF through the main
transformer and control circuit.
MIN/MAX 1/2 voltage setting
Two adjustment switches are provided on the front panel of the welder kit, for setting the minimum
and maximum values of votage and tension. Refer to the set up chart for initial adjustment of the
voltage setting.
ITEM QTY.
Portable MIG welder 1 unit
Contact tip, 0.023" 0.030" 0.035" 1 pc
Sample spool flux core wire, 0.030" 1 LBS
Sample spool solid wire, 0.023" 1/2 LBS
Welding mask 1 pc
Chipping hammer/wire brush 1 pc
Instruction manual 1 manual
Handle 1 pc

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
11
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
Wire feed setting
This setting adjusts the wire feed speed.
Ground cable and clamp
The ground cable and the clamp are attached to the workpiece to form a closed circuit which allows
the flow of current needed to weld.
Welding Cable and MIG gun/torch
The welding wire is driven through the welding cable and the MIG gun/torch to the workpiece. It is
attached to the drive system and the gun trigger activates the drive motor.
Thermal Indicator
If the duty cycle of the welder kit exceeds the maximum level, the internal temperature of the welder
kit will exceed the allowable operating range, which in turn makes the thermal overload light glow
and the welder kit to be shut down automatically. Allow the welder kit to cool down for 20 minutes
until the thermal overload light turns OFF automatically. The temperature of the welder kit is then
within the allowable operating range.
Power cord
The power cord connects the welder to the 120 V power supply. Connect the 15 A plug into a
120 V/20 A receptacle to supply power to the welder.
Polarity changing
Factory polarity setting (electrode negative) is for flux core welding (no shielding gas is required). In
this process the RED gun lead is connected to negative ("-") polarity terminal and the ground cable
is connected to the positive ("+") terminal.
For MIG welding (solid wire) using shielding gas, the RED gun lead is connected to positive ("+") and
the ground cable is connected to negative ("-").
NO
GAS GAS
MC-588195-22

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
12
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
Gas hoses, regulator and gas cylinder connections
• Connect the gas hose to the gas solenoid valve on the back panel of the welder.
• Connect the other end to the regulator connected to the shielding gas cylinder.
• Slowly open the cylinder valve by turning it counterclockwise until the cylinder pressure gauge
fixes the cylinder pressure.
• Slowly turn the adjustment knob clockwise to increase gas flow to 20 cfm. Turn it
counterclockwise to reduce the gas flow.
• Gas flow can be heard at the end of the gun when the trigger is activated.
Note: If there is no gas flow, harsh arc with excessive spatter will be found and a smooth weld bead
will not be obtained.
Gas selection
Different materials require different shielding gas when MIG welding. Refer to the set up chart inside
the wire drive compartment.
Mild steel: Use 75% Argon and 25% for reduced spatter and reduced penetration for thinner
materials. Use CO2for deeper penetration and increased spatter.
Note: Do not use argon gas concentrations higher than 75% on steel. The result will be extremely
poor penetration, porosity, and brittleness of weld.
Stainless steel: Use a mixed gas consisting of Helium, Argon, and CO2.
Aluminum or bronze: Use 100% Argon feed compartment.
No. Description No. Description
1 Gas cylinder 5 Regulator
2 Cylinder valve 6 Adjustment knob
3 Cylinder pressure gauge 7 Gas hose
4 Gas flow gauge
Regulator
1
23456 7
MC-588195-23
MACHINE

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
13
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
Wire drive compartment
The wire drive compartment has wire feed components (1) such as wire feeder and spool hub, and a
set up chart (2).
1 2 3
456
MC-588195-25
1
2

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
14
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
Assembly Instructions
Installing the handle:
1. Line up the holes in the handle with the
holes on the top of the welder.
2. Place a lock washer (1) and a washer (2)
onto the welder handle screws.
3. Insert a screw with the washers through
the holes on the handle and into the top
of the welder, and tighten the screw
(fig A) .
Installing the wire roller:
1. Open the wire drive compartment.
2. Remove the drive tension by loosening
the drive tension adjusting knob (1) and
lifting the drive tension adjustor and
drive tension arm (2) away from the
drive roller
(fig B) .
3. Put an end of the wire into the hole on
outside edges of the wire spool and
bend it over to hold the wire in place.
Remove the wire spool from the wire
drive compartment.
Note: If the wire is already installed in the welder, roll the wire back onto the wire spool by manually
rotating the wire spool clockwise. Do not allow the wire to come out of rear end of the inlet guide
tube.
2
3
MC-588195-02
fig A
1
fig B 2
1
MC-588195-03

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
15
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
4. Rotate the drive roller cap (1)
counterclockwise and remove it from the
drive roller (2)
(fig C) .
5. Pull the drive roller (1) from the drive
roller shaft (2)
(fig D) .
Based on the wire diameter, select the correct groove using the following table:
Note: When installing the drive roller, the number stamped on the drive roller should face the user.
Push the drive roller onto the drive roller shaft.
6. Reinstall the drive roller cap and lock in place by turning it clockwise. Close the wire drive
compartment.
0.6
fig C
1
2
MC-588195-04
1
2
fig D
MC-588195-05
Wire Diameter Roller Groove
0.023" 0.023"
0.030" 0.030"
0.035" 0.035"

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
16
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
Installing the wire:
Select the type of wire using the following table:
1. Remove the nozzle (1) and contact tip (2)
from the end of the torch assembly
(fig E) .
2. Ensure proper groove on the drive roller
is in place for the wire to be installed.
3. Remove the packaging from the wire
spool and identify the leading end of the
wire secured on the edge of the spool.
Do not unhook it at this time.
WARNING!
Potential hazard that could result in serious injury or loss of life.
• Always switch off the power and unplug the power cord from the AC power
source before installing the wire.
• Remove any wire or wire spool that is rusty.
• Do not weld metal thinner than 18 gauge, as doing so may burn the metal.
• Before installing, remove any old wire from the MIG gun assembly to prevent
the wire from being jammed inside the gun liner.
• Use extreme caution when removing the welding nozzle, as the contact tip
on the welder is live whenever the torch trigger is pulled.
Wire Type Availability
0.23" MIG wire Yes
0.30" MIG wire Yes
Flux Core wire 0.030" Yes
Flux Core wire 0.035" Yes
fig E
1
2
MC-588195-06

ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
17
MIG/FLUX-CORE WIRE FEED WELDER KIT 058-8195-2
4. Place the spool on the hub with the
wire passing from the bottom of spool
into the drive mechanism
(fig F) .
Note: The welder can use either 4" or 8"
spool. The 8" spool requires an adaptor. The
wing nut controls the tension on the spool.
5. Setting the wire spool tension:
a. Turn the wire spool with one hand.
b. Increase the spool tension by tightening the wing nut while turning the spool. Turn the
spool until it slows down.
c. Stop tightening the wing nut. Repeat these steps until proper spool tension is achieved.
Note: If high tension is applied to the wire spool, the wire slips on the drive roller or will not be able
to feed. If less tension is applied, the wire spool unspools itself when the trigger is released.
Readjust the spool tension using the wing nut if the tension is high or low.
6. Disconnect the welder from the power source, and remove the leading end of the wire from
the spool.
7. Cut off any bent portion of the wire using a wire cutter.
8. Loosen the tension adjusting knob holding the drive tension arm in place and lift the tension
arm up off the drive roller.
9. Insert the wire into the inlet guide tube, and feed it of about six inches across the drive roller
and into the torch assembly.
10. Line up the wire with the correct groove in the drive roller.
11. Place the drive tension arm back above the drive roller.
12. Tighten the drive tension adjusting knob until the tension roller is applying enough force on
the wire to prevent it from slipping in the drive roller.
13. Plug in and turn the welder ON. Set the voltage switch to the voltage setting recommended for
the gauge of metal that is to be welded. Refer to the set up chart on the back side of the wire
drive compartment.
14. Set the wire speed control. Straighten the MIG gun cable and pull the trigger in the gun
handle to feed the wire through the torch assembly.
X
fig F
MC-588195-07