Forney 298 Operating Manual page 18

PROBLEM
Low output or non-penetrating
weld.
Ground clamp, ground cable,
and/or welding cable get hot.
Frequent circuit breaker trips.
Poor quality welds.
Difficult arc start.
Arc is wandering (TIG).
18
POSSIBLE CAUSE
Weld parameters too low.
Too long or improper extension cord.
Poor ground connection or torch/electrode
connection.
Input power too low.
Bad ground or loose ground connection.
Machine is not the only piece of electrical
equipment on the circuit.
Circuit breaker is incorrect/insufficient for
use with this machine.
Insufficient gas at weld area.
Rusty, painted, oily or greasy workpiece.
Poor ground connection or torch/electrode
connection.
Amperage is too low.
Tungsten is too large.
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POSSIBLE SOLUTION
Adjust welding parameters
Use a proper extension cord (#12 AWG
wire or heavier, no longer than 25 ft.). See
"Extension Cords", page 11.
Reposition clamp and check cable to
clamp connection.
Check connection of ground cable, torch
or electrode holder
Have a qualified electrician verify the
voltage at your outlet. If the voltage is
appropriate, verify that the circuit wiring is
sufficient for 20A.
Check connection of ground cable, torch
or electrode holder.
Check connection of the ground cable
to the ground clamp. Tighten cable
connection to ground clamp if needed.
Ensure the connection between the ground
clamp and workpiece is good and on
clean, bare (not painted or rusted) metal.
Make sure the welder is on a dedicated
circuit or is the only thing plugged on a
circuit.
Verify that the circuit breaker for the circuit
is a 20A time-delay (slow-blow) breaker. If
it is not, have a qualified electrician install
the proper breakers.
Check that the gas is not being blown
away by drafts and, if so, move to a more
sheltered weld area. If not, check gas
cylinder contents, gauge, regulator setting,
and operation of gas valve.
Ensure workpiece is clean and dry.
Check ground clamp/workpiece
connection and all connections to the
machine.
Increase amperage setting.
Use a smaller tungsten.