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B-4
OPERATION
B-4
4. Immediately after striking the arc try to maintain a
distance from the workpiece that is equivalent to
the diameter of the electrode used. Maintain this
distance as constantly as possible during the weld.
Whenever possible, weld from left to right (if right-
handed). Hold the electrode at a slight angle as
shown. (See Figure B.5)
FIGURE B.5
5. As the electrode burns off the electrode must be fed
to the work to maintain correct arc length. The easi-
est way to tell whether the arc has the correct
length is by listening to its sound. A nice, short arc
has a distinctive, “crackling” sound, very much like
eggs frying in a pan. The incorrect, long arc has a
hollow, blowing or hissing sound.
6. The important thing to watch while welding is the
puddle of molten metal right behind the arc. Do
NOT watch the arc itself. It is the appearance of the
puddle and the ridge where the molten puddle
solidifies that indicate correct welding speed. The
ridge should be approximately 3/8" (9.5mm) behind
the electrode. (See Figure B.6)
FIGURE B.6
Most beginners tend to weld too fast, resulting in a
thin, uneven, “wormy” looking bead. They are not
watching the molten metal.
IMPORTANT: For general welding it is not necessary
to weave the arc; neither forwards and backwards nor
sideways. Weld along at a steady pace. You will find it
easier.
NOTE: When welding on thin plate, you will find that
you will have to increase the welding speed, whereas
when welding on heavy plate, it is necessary to go
more slowly in order to get good penetration.
7. Once the electrode is burned down move the elec-
trode quickly from the weld to extinguish the arc.
8. Turn the machine off and remove the stub by open-
ing the jaws of the electrode holder and insert a
new electrode.
Note: The welded work piece and electrode stub are
hot after welding. Allow them to cool down
before touching or use pliers to move. Always
make sure the welder is turned off before set-
ting down the Electrode Holder.
TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding)
This machine is capable of direct current (DC) TIG
welding which is suitable for hard metals such as
steel, stainless steel, copper & brass. The TIG
process is good for welding thin materials requiring
very good cosmetic appearance with low heat input
and low spatter. TIG welding uses a tungsten elec-
trode which delivers electrical current to the work
piece by way of an electric arc. Unlike stick welding in
which the electrode is consumed in the arc, the tung-
sten electrode is not consumed. Instead filler metal is
added to the weld by manually dipping a filler rod into
the weld puddle. TIG welding requires a higher skill
level than stick welding and practice is required to
master the technique. For best results a TIG welding
class is suggested or obtaining a book on how to TIG
weld.
TIG welding also requires 100% Argon shielding gas
to shield the arc, preventing porosity in the weld. This
is different than stick welding which has a coating on
the electrode to produce its own shielding. In addi-
tion, a gas regulator, a manual gas valve TIG torch,
torch parts kit, torch adapter and filler metal are
required. Refer to the accessories section of this
manual for an appropriate optional TIG torch, parts kit
and torch adapter. A gas regulator, filler metal and a
bottle of shielding gas are readily available from a
welding gas distributor.
Figure B.7 shows the basic TIG welding set-up:
FIGURE B.7
INVERTER ARC™ 230
WORKPIECE
TUNGSTEN
GAS BOTTLE
WITH REGULATOR
WORK CLAMP
TORCH WITH
GAS VALVE
TIG TORCH
ADAPTER