Stick Operation And Theory - Everlast Lightning MTS 225 Operator's Manual

Table of Contents

Section 3

Make sure the unit is turned on and the boot cycle has finished.

Select the Stick Process on the Selector.

Make sure the electrode holder is in the Positive connector and the work clamp is in the negative connector.

Select the Amp level desired. No voltage adjustment is available. Select Hot Start Time and Hot Start Amps % (Intensity) to improve start-

ing reliability. Use higher amounts of Hot Start %, over 50% with difficult to strike rods, or rods that aren't fresh or out of a sealed metal

can.

Use the arc force control to select the desired arc characteristics, creating the desired arc characteristic and amp response needed to main-

tain 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 E6010 will require a setting 60-80% 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 control performance. If

you are new to using an inverter 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.

If the arc length is too long, the voltage rise will signal the inverter to shut down and will terminate welding output. This is done to limit amp

draw on the circuit. 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 with some adaptation in technique.

Strike the arc with either the tapping method or the match strike method. Beginners usually find that the match strike method typically

yields the best results.

Tapping

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 approxi-

mately 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 somewhere between 30% and 50% and set hot

start time to .5-1 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.

This unit is designed for operation with Cellulosic electrodes such as E6010 and E 6011. However, to use these rods, the Power-Set mode must

be engaged, and the correct rod type and size selected. Improved function of all rods can be obtained through the use of the Power-Set function.

In manual mode, rods such as E7014 and E7018 work well, but selecting the Power-Set mode can simplify operation and improve performance.

120V operation will reduce the capability of the E6010 setting however since arc force action is limited and hot start action is reduced.