Tig Welding; Wire Welding-Cv - Lincoln Electric VANTAGE 400 Operator's Manual

VANTAGE 400
travel speeds. This can also increase spatter.
It is recommended that the ARC CONTROL be set to the minimum
number without electrode sticking. Start with the dial set at 0.
NOTE: With the VRD switch in the "ON" position there is no output in
the DOWNHILL PIPE mode. For indicator light operation, see table
B.1.

TIG WELDING

The TOUCH START TIG setting of the MODE switch is for DC TIG
(Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. To initiate a weld, the OUTPUT CON-
TROL dial is first set to the desired current and the tungsten is
touched to the work. During the time the tungsten is touching the
work there is very little voltage or current and, in general, no tung-
sten contamination. Then, the tungsten is gently lifted off the work
in a rocking motion, which establishes the arc.
When in the TOUCH START TIG mode and when a Amptrol is
connected to the 6-Pin connector the OUTPUT CONTROL dial is
used to set the maximum current range of the current control of
the Amptrol.
The ARC CONTROL is not active in the TIG mode. To STOP a
weld, simply pull the TIG torch away from the work.
When the arc voltage reaches approximately 30 Volts the arc will
go out and the machine will reset the current to the Touch Start
level.
To reinitiate the arc, retouch the tungsten to the work and lift.
Alternatively, the weld can be stopped by releasing the Amptrol
or arc start switch.
TYPICAL CURRENT RANGES
Tungsten Electrode DCEN (-)
Diameter in. (mm)
1%, 2% Thoriated
Tungsten
.010 (.25) 2-15
0.020 (.50) 5-20
0.040 (1.0) 15-80
1/16 (1.6) 70-150
3/32 (2.4) 150-250
1/8 (3.2) 250-400
5/32 (4.0) 400-500
3/16 (4.8) 500-750
1/4 (6.4) 750-1000
(1) When used with argon gas. The current ranges shown must be reduced when using argon/helium or pure helium shielding gases.
(2) Tungsten electrodes are classified as follows by the American Welding Society (AWS):
Pure
1% Thoriated
2% Thoriated
Though not yet recognized by the AWS, Ceriated Tungsten is now widely accepted as a substitute for 2% Thoriated Tungsten in AC and DC applications.
(3) DCEP is not commonly used in these sizes.
(4) TIG torch nozzle "sizes" are in multiples of 1/16ths of an inch:
# 4 = 1/4 in. (6 mm)
# 5 = 5/16 in. (8 mm)
# 6 = 3/8 in. (10 mm)
# 7 = 7/16 in. (11 mm)
# 8 = _ in. (12.5 mm)
#10 = 5/8 in. (16 mm)
(5) TIG torch nozzles are typically made from alumina ceramic. Special applications may require lava nozzles, which are less prone to breakage, but cannot withstand high temperatures and high duty cycles.
TABLE B.3
(1)
FOR TUNGSTEN ELECTRODES
DCEP (+) Approximate Argon Gas Flow
Flow Rate C.F.H. ( l /min.)
1%, 2% Thoriated Aluminum
Tungsten
(3) 3-8 (2-4)
(3) 5-10 (3-5)
(3) 5-10 (3-5)
10-20 5-10 (3-5)
15-30 13-17 (6-8)
25-40 15-23 (7-11)
40-55 21-25 (10-12)
55-80 23-27 (11-13)
80-125 28-32 (13-15)
EWP
EWTh-1
EWTh-2
B-6
The VANTAGE 400 can be used in a wide variety of DC TIG weld-
ing applications. In general the 'Touch Start' feature allows cont-
amination free starting without the use of a Hi-frequency unit. If
desired, the K930-2 TIG Module can be used with the VANTAGE
400. The settings are for reference.
VANTAGE 400 settings when using the K930-2 TIG Module with
an Amptrol or Arc Start Switch:
• Set the MODE Switch to the TOUCH START TIG setting.
• Set the "IDLER" Switch to the "AUTO" position.
• Set the "WELDING TERMINALS" switch to the "REMOTELY CON-
TROLLED" position. This will keep the "Solid State" contactor open
and provide a "cold" electrode until the Amptrol or Arc Start Switch
is pressed.
When using the TIG Module, the OUTPUT CONTROL on the VANTAGE
400 is used to set the maximum range of the CURRENT CONTROL on
the TIG Module or an Amptrol if connected to the TIG Module.
NOTE: The TIG process is to receive a low voltage welding process.
There is no difference in operation with the VRD "On" or "Off" for
this mode. For indicator light operation, see table B.1.

WIRE WELDING-CV

Connect a wire feeder to the VANTAGE 400 according to the instructions
in INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS Section.
The VANTAGE 400 in the CV-WIRE mode, permits it to be used with a
broad range of flux cored wire (Innershield and Outershield) electrodes
and solid wires for MIG welding (gas metal arc welding). Welding can be
(2)
Nozzle Size (4), (5)
Stainless Steel
3-8 (2-4) #4, #5, #6
5-10 (3-5)
5-10 (3-5)
9-13 (4-6) #5, #6
11-15 (5-7) #6, #7, #8
11-15 (5-7)
13-17 (6-8) #8, #10
18-22 (8-10)
23-27 (11-13)
OPERATION
TIG TORCH