Eastwood MP200i Assembly And Operating Instructions Manual page 36

TIG WELDING TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM CAUSE
Poor
Low Amperage
Penetration
(Aluminum)
Incorrect AC Balance
Poor
Penetration Low Amperage
(Steel)
Tungsten
Contact of Tungsten with Base Metal
Contaminated
Poor Weld
Incorrect Positioning
Appearance
Insufficient Shielding Effect
Crater in the
End of the Weld
Bead
Not Enough Filler Material
Too Much Heat in Material
Weld Bead is
Base Metal is Absorbing Too Much Heat
Cracking
Incorrect Filler Wire
Insufficient Clamping
Insufficient Tack Welds
Material is
Warping
Too Much Heat in Material
36
CORRECTION
Amperage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as needed and
reference chart on Welder.
Decrease AC Balance to increase penetration and decrease cleaning effect.
Amperage setting is too low for material/thickness. Increase as needed and
reference chart on Welder.
Keep tungsten 1/8" to 1/4" from the base metal. If tungsten comes in contact
break off end and resharpen immediately.
The angle between the filler metal and the torch must be less than 90° otherwise
the filler metal will prematurely melt and glob off causing poor weld appearance.
Keep the torch on the base metal while the post flow shielding gas flows to
protect and cool the metal and tungsten.
Reduce current with Pedal and add more filler at end of weld. It may also be
beneficial to back step to ensure no crater will form.
Reduce heat and allow more time between passes.
Preheat base metal (consult welding codes for requirements).
Use appropriate filler wire type and diameter for the joint being welded.
Clamp work piece tightly and weld while clamps are in place.
Add more tack welds until rigidity and stiffness is developed.
To reduce heat, it is best to spread the welding out around the area. This can be
done by using stitch welding techniques, alternating sides, and/or taking your
time and allowing the pieces to cool between passes.
Eastwood Technical Assistance: 800.343.9353 >> tech@eastwood.com