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Item #21180
MP250i WELDER
INSTRUCTIONS

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Summary of Contents for Eastwood MP250i

  • Page 1 Item #21180 MP250i WELDER INSTRUCTIONS...
  • Page 2: Statement Of Limited Warranty

    WARRANTY REPAIR: If Eastwood confirms the existence of a defect covered under this warranty plan, Eastwood will determine whether repair or replacement is the most suitable option to rectify the defect. At Eastwood’s request, the purchaser must return, to Eastwood, any products claimed defective under Eastwood’s warranty.
  • Page 3: Specifications

    DUTY CYCLE The rated Duty Cycle refers to the amount of welding that can be done within an amount of time. The Eastwood MP250i has a Duty Cycle of 60% at 250 Amps. It is easiest to look at your welding time in blocks of 10 Minutes and the Duty Cycle being a percentage of that 10 Minutes. If welding at 250 Amps with a 60% Duty Cycle, within a 10 Minute block of time you can weld for 6 Minutes with 4 Minutes of cooling for the Welder.
  • Page 4: Safety Information

    IMPORTANT NOTE: These instructions are intended only to provide the user with some familiarity of the Eastwood MP250i. Electric Welding is a highly complex procedure with many variables. If you have no prior experience with Electric Welding, it is extremely important to seek the advice of someone experienced in Electric Welding for instruc- tion, enroll in a local technical school welding course or study a comprehensive how-to DVD and obtain a good quality reference book on Electric Welding as there is a moderate learning curve necessary before achieving proficiency in Welding different metals such as steel, stainless steel and aluminum.
  • Page 5: Cylinders Can Explode If Damaged

    • Keep protective cap in place over valve except when cylinder is in use. • Use proper equipment, procedures and have adequate help when moving or lifting cylinders. To order parts and supplies: 800.345.1178 >> eastwood.com...
  • Page 6: First Aid

    CONNECTING THE WELDER TO A POWER SOURCE The Eastwood MP250i Welder has dual current capability and requires a dedicated 120 VAC, 20 Amp or a 240 VAC, 50 Amp. 60HZ grounded outlet protected by a circuit breaker. The plug installed on the Welder is a NEMA 6-50P and should be used with a NEMA 6-50R receptacle. If using an extension cord, use a minimum 6 AWG cord for up to 25 feet.
  • Page 7 M5 x 12mm screws each (FIG 4). TANK CHAINS • Hook ends of Tank Chains into the slots on the outer corners of the Tank Supports (FIG 4). FIG. 3 FIG. 4 To order parts and supplies: 800.345.1178 >> eastwood.com...
  • Page 8 CONTROL AND DISPLAY PANEL FIG. 4 The Eastwood MP250i Front Panel is arranged with 8 major groups of Function Controls and LED Indicators. They are as follows: 1. VRD Indicator 2. MIG/TIG/ARC Selector Button 3. MIG Torch/Spool Gun Selector Button 4.
  • Page 9 MIG Position and switch “MIG Torch/Spool Gun” Switch to FIG. 8 “+” Polarity “–” Polarity “MIG Torch” (FIG 5). Connection Connection MIG Gun Power Connection Cannon Plug Polarity Connection Jumper Lead To order parts and supplies: 800.345.1178 >> eastwood.com...
  • Page 10 • Use only correct shielding gas cylinders, regulators, hoses and fittings designed for the specific application; maintain them and all related components in good condition. • Keep protective cap in place over valve except when cylinder is in use. • Use proper equipment, procedures and have adequate help when moving or lifting cylinders. Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.544.5118 >> techelp@eastwood.com...
  • Page 11 5. Connect either end of the Gas Line included with your Eastwood MP250i to the fitting on the regulator and wrench tighten until snug. 6. Connect the other end of the gas line to the fitting on the rear of the Eastwood MP250i and wrench tighten until snug (FIG 9).
  • Page 12: Mig Welding Operation

    • Always keep a fire extinguisher nearby while welding. • Use welding blankets to protect painted and or flammable surfaces; rubber weather-stripping, dash boards, engines, etc. • Ensure power supply has properly rated wiring to handle power usage. Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.544.5118 >> techelp@eastwood.com...
  • Page 13 Your Eastwood MP250i can be used to form a large number of different joints and welds all of which will require practice and testing before using on an actual project piece.
  • Page 14 Either of these techniques will create strong welds but in some cases the Stringer or Weave type will create a more aesthetically pleasing weld bead. • Once the entire weld has been completed, allow the metal to cool. If necessary, follow up with a flap disc to grind the weld bead flush. Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.544.5118 >> techelp@eastwood.com...
  • Page 15 • Electric welding heats metal and tools to temperatures that will cause severe burns! • Use protective, heat resistant gloves and clothing when using Eastwood or any other welding equipment. Never touch welded work surface, torch tip or nozzle until they have completely cooled.
  • Page 16 Polarity Selection The Eastwood MP250i can weld in both Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) and Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN). The electrode, or rod, when welding in DCEP is positive and the grounded surface is negative. This polarity is used with electrodes that specify it and is usually the most commonly used polarity when ARC welding for general purpose use.
  • Page 17: Electrode Selection

    ELECTRODE SELECTION Before beginning welding with your Eastwood MP250i, you will need to purchase electrodes as these are a consumable item in the ARC welding process. There are a variety of different types of rods available and should be selected depending on the project on hand. The chart below is an overview of some of the most popular electrodes.
  • Page 18 • Electric welding heats metal and tools to temperatures that will cause severe burns! • Use protective, heat resistant gloves and clothing when using Eastwood or any other welding equipment. Never touch welded work surface, torch tip or nozzle until they have completely cooled.
  • Page 19: Buildup Of Gas Can Injure Or Kill

    • Use proper equipment, procedures and have adequate help when moving or lifting cylinders. A Shielding Gas Bottle is NOT INCLUDED with your Eastwood MP250i TIG Torch Kit but is necessary for TIG welding. A Shielding Gas Bottle can be bought at most local Welding Supply Stores.
  • Page 20: Set Up For Tig Welding

    Welder. To connect the plug line up the key on the plug with the keyway on the socket of the Welder, insert the plug and twist until it is tight (FIGS 6 & Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.544.5118 >> techelp@eastwood.com...
  • Page 21: Tig Welding

    • Use an OSHA approved respirator when welding in confined spaces or where there is inadequate ventilation. • Never weld coated materials including but not limited to: cadmium plated, galvanized, lead based paints. To order parts and supplies: 800.345.1178 >> eastwood.com...
  • Page 22 • Slowly open the gas cylinder valve. NOTE: Always open valve fully to avoid shielding gas leakage. • Open the valve built-in to the Torch Handle. Adjust the Shielding Gas Regulator. See MP250i Welding Guide (FIG 6) for Gas Flow Recommendations.
  • Page 23: SpoolGun

    SET UP FOR SPOOL GUN WELDING The Eastwood MP250i is designed to use a #20172 Spool Gun (Available Separately, Not Included) which allows for easy feeding of aluminum wire to expand your welding capabilities. This is an optional accessory and can be purchased separately from Eastwood.
  • Page 24: Overload Protection

    SPOOL GUN WELDING OPERATION Your Eastwood MP250i can be used to weld aluminum utilizing the # 20172 Spool Gun (Not Included). The Spool Gun is sold as an accessory to the MP250i, and you will also need to purchase a cylinder of 100% Argon gas from your local welding supplier. This following welding process is just a baseline to get you started.
  • Page 25: Types Of Weld Joints

    PLUG WELD is a joint which joins two overlapping pieces by fi lling to the other. in a hole punched in the top piece. To order parts and supplies: 800.345.1178 >> eastwood.com...
  • Page 26 Excessive Wire Protruding Penetration length of exposed wire. The MP250i is rated for a maximum thickness of 1/2”, exceeding this will result Material Too Thick in poor penetration. If welding heavy gauge metals, it may be necessary to increase the welding gap Poor Material Prep between the two pieces and also bevel the edges on the weld side of the pieces.
  • Page 27: Tig Welding Troubleshooting

    The angle between the filler metal and the Torch must be less than 90 degrees Poor Weld Incorrect Positioning otherwise the filler metal will prematurely melt and glob off causing poor weld Appearance appearance. To order parts and supplies: 800.345.1178 >> eastwood.com...
  • Page 28: Consumable Items

    10’ Long Ground Cable Extension If you have any questions about the use of this product, please contact The Eastwood Technical Assistance Service Department: 800.544.5118 >> email: techelp@eastwood.com PDF version of this manual is available online >> eastwood.com/21180manual The Eastwood Company 263 Shoemaker Road, Pottstown, PA 19464, USA US and Canada: 800.345.1178...

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