Everlast PowerARC 161STH Operator's Manual page 11

Section 2
and work clamp and accompanying connectors,
if desired. These can be readily sourced at al-
most any local welding supply store. Do not sur-
pass 25 ft lengths on welding cables for best arc
behavior and starting. The TIG torch package
includes a17 series TIG torch with a non-
flexible, straight neck and 12.5 ft cables and
DINSE 25 Connector. Any 17,26, or 18 series
compatible consumables will fit this torch.
Note: Customer supplied pure argon must be
used while operating in TIG mode.
Basic TIG Operation Information:
Attention: The Foot Pedal is Optional. It is
available for separate purchase (US models).
If foot pedal is needed, purchase a NOVA 10k
or 22k pedal for use with the unit direct from
Everlast. Additionally a torch mounted Amptrol
which features a sliding action to control the
Amps is available from NOVA, which may also
be purchased direct through Everlast.
The welder features a built-in gas solenoid
which allows you to automatically turn gas flow
on and off as the torch switch or foot pedal is
cycled. An automatic pre-flow timer is provided
so a brief delay in arc starting may be experi-
enced until the pre-flow period of time is satis-
fied. Pre-flow is needed to provide a "pocket" of
shielding gas before the arc starts. Otherwise,
porosity of the weld or rapid consumption of the
tungsten could be experienced during the start.
An arc start delay of about .5 seconds will be
experienced due to the Pre-Flow cycle. A sudden
rush of gas may be heard when the Pre-flow is
first cycled on. The sound should dissipate
within the pre-flow cycle or shortly after the arc
starts. The "surge" of gas is normal, and you
will not normally hear the gas flowing while
welding. If the sound of continuous gas flow is
easily distinguishable from background noises,
this may be wasting too much gas and creating
turbulence while destabilizing the arc. If you are
worried that you are not getting gas flow while
welding, take a quick glance over at the flow
meter to verify that the regulator ball is continu-
ing to float. The welder also features an adjust-
able post-flow which automatically stops gas
flow once the arc is terminated. This provides
proper shielding of the weld pool from the at-
mosphere as it cools, and also helps to cool the
torch head. A good rule of thumb to use is to
set the welder Post-flow time for 1 second for
every 10-20 amps of power.
General Setup and Operation
To operate in TIG mode, stand to the side of the
Argon cylinder (never in front of the discharge
side!) and purge the gas by quickly twisting the
valve open and then back closed to dislodge any
particles of dirt or metal shavings from the con-
nection and valve seat.
ulator to the unit by hand and complete the
tightening process with a wrench. Never use
pliers to tighten. Make sure all gas connections
are tight, including the torch connections. Apply
soapy water to the connections to determine if
there is any leakage. Leaking gas can create
contamination issues. So, this step should not
be overlooked. Use cylinders that are considered
pure Argon or 100% compressed Argon only.
Medical grade gas is usually not required. Many
issues with TIG welding result from wrong gas
selection or cross contaminated cylinders that
were not purged properly before use. Never use
a mixed shielding gas for MIG welding, especial-
ly any with CO2 in the mix. Shielding gas that
includes only Helium and Argon or pure helium
are possible, but can destabilize the arc and
make are starting more difficult. It is also much
more expensive and just isn 't necessary.
To begin to TIG weld, press the green button
directly above the red adjustment knob and se-
lect the icon which resembles a TIG torch. Then
select from either live lift, lift TIG, or HF Start.
(See diagrams on pages 17 and 18 for starting
procedures.) If using live lift, no pedal or torch
switch is necessary, but amp control or weld
cycle control will not be possible. Ensure the
torch cable is located in the negative terminal of
the welder and the work clamp cable is located
in the positive terminal. Connect the torch
switch /foot pedal cable to the control and snap
in the gas line from the torch. Adjust welding
current with the amp control knob to desired
amp level. Make sure the tank is open and the
regulator is adjusted for 10-20 CFH (5-10 lpm).
If using Live Lift, place the cup on the metal,
then lightly roll the tip of the tungsten to the
metal. Next, press the torch switch (or foot pe-
dal) and quickly lift up to a distance of 1/8" or
less to begin welding. If using Lift TIG, make
sure the torch switch or foot pedal is connected,
roll the torch to the metal as directed above,
then activate the foot pedal or torch switch
while the tungsten is making contact. Immedi-
ately lift up to initiate the arc once the torch is
fully down. If using HF start, simply hold the
tungsten above the metal 1/8" or less. After
proper starting height is established, press the
torch switch (or foot pedal) to start the arc and
begin to develop the weld puddle. A continuous
11
Then, connect the reg-