Everlast PowerMTS 251Si Operator's Manual page 52

Section 3
Tapping Method
1. Make sure the unit is turned on and the startup cycle has finished.
2. Select the Stick icon on the Process Selector.
3. Make sure the electrode holder is in the Positive connector and the work clamp is in the negative connector.
4. Select the Amp level desired. Use the guide on page 16 to determine approximate amps suitable for the rod size selected. You should
consult the welding electrode manufacturer's recommendation for proper amperage as the ultimate authority. No voltage adjustment
is available. Select Hot Start Time and Hot Start Amps % (Intensity) to improve starting reliability.
5.
Use the arc force control to select the desired arc characteristics, creating the desired arc characteristic and amp response needed to
maintain the arc. Cellulose electrodes may not have the same arc force behavior as other welding electrodes, but each brand and size
will weld a little differently. Typically rods such as the E6011 will require a setting over 50% for best results. The arc force control
setting will vary from person to person as well, with different rod angles, positions, and arc lengths all factoring into the arc force con-
trol performance. If you are new to using a transformer welder, there are some aspects that will seem different. One of the main ones
is that the arc is better controlled in most situations by "pushing in" when the arc seems to get weak or unstable and the arc force will
kick in as the voltage drops. Holding too long of an arc will signal the inverter to shut down and to terminate welding output. This
threshold is shorter than most transformers, and an extremely long arc cannot be maintained. However, with a little practice, the arc
will be easy to manage.
6.
Strike the arc with either the tapping method or the match strike method. Beginners usually find that the match strike method typical-
ly yields the best results.
NOTE: Pay particular attention to the Arc Force setting as it affects the aggressiveness of the arc and the amp response. Set the Arc force
to approximately 30-50% and readjust it from that point to find the optimum setting. Adjust in increments of 5% up or down from there to
obtain the best results Usually, an increase in the arc force for cellulose based flux welding rods is helpful. Lowering the Arc force setting is
generally desirable for rods iron powder/Titania based flux. Too much arc force will create overheating of the welding rod, and even cause
them to flame up. Too little can lead to sticking and arc snuffing. Use the Hot Start features to improve arc starting and cut down on failed
arc strikes. Hot Start Amps refers to the % over the set amps that the amps will be boosted during arc striking until the arc is established.
Hot Start Intensity controls the amount of time that the Hot Start stays engaged after the arc is struck. Start by setting Hot Start to some-
where between 30% and 50% and set hot start time to .2-.3 seconds. Adjust in increments of 5% up or down to obtain best starting results.
When welding, the weld will be slower than MIG speed. One of the most common mistakes for users transitioning from MIG to Stick welding
is the travel speed. Allow the metal to fill the puddle as the rod travels forward. Be sure to try to separate the difference between the slag
and the molten pool of metal. The slag will coalesce behind the puddle if travel and rod angle is correct. Do not let the slag travel in front of
the puddle. Keep the top of the rod inclined to the direction of travel around 10-20 degrees while welding in the flat position (Electrode
holder should be in front and inline of the puddle). To begin, simply start the arc, and then drag the rod slowly and carefully along the metal,
allowing the rod flux to provide a standoff between the metal filler and the puddle. Be sure to keep feeding the rod steadily downward into
the puddle as the rod melts. In the case of E6011, a slight stepping motion in front of the puddle about 1/8"-1/4" in front of the puddle can
be used as a key hole opens up in the weld joint, ahead of the puddle. This is also called "whipping" the rod. Do not flip the end of the rod
away from the puddle in a arc motion or the arc may terminate while using E6011 or similar cellulosic rods. When experience is gained,
numerous manipulation methods may be used with rods such as E7018, 7014, 6013, and 7024. Weave the rod no more than 2.5 times the
width of the welding rod. To begin weaving, weave small, tight patterns similar to C's, cursive E's, V's, or even figure 8's.
STICK OPERATION
STARTING METHODS
Striking the Arc
52
Basic Theory and Function
Scratch/Match Method