Lincoln Electric 12865 Operator's Manual page 28

VANTAGE ® 549
WELDER OPERATION
DUTY CYCLE
Duty cycle is the percentage of time the load is being applied in a
10 minute period. For example, a 60% duty cycle represents 6
minutes of load and 4 minutes of no load in a 10 minute period.
STICK WELDING MODE
The VANTAGE® 549 can be used with a broad range of DC stick
electrodes.
The MODE switch provides two stick welding settings as follows:
CC-STICK MODE
The CC-STICK position of the MODE switch is designed for
horizontal, vertical-up and over head welding with all types of
electrodes, especially low hydrogen. The output CONTROL knob
adjusts the full output range for stick welding.
The ARC CONTROL knob sets the short circuit (arc-force) current
during stick welding. Increasing the number from -10(Soft) to +10
(Crisp) increases the short circuit current and prevents sticking of
the electrode to the plate while welding. This can also increase
spatter. It is recommended that the ARC CONTROL be set to the
minimum number without electrode sticking. Start with the knob
set at 0.
DOWNHILL PIPE MODE
This slope controlled setting is intended for "out-of-position" and
"down hill" pipe welding where the operator would like to control
the current level by changing the arc length. The OUTPUT
CONTROL knob adjusts the full output range for pipe welding.
The ARC CONTROL knob sets the short circuit current (arc-force)
during stick welding to adjust for a soft or a more forceful digging
arc (Crisp). Increasing the number from -10(Soft) to +10(Crisp)
increases the short circuit current which results in a more forceful
digging arc. Typically a forceful digging arc is preferred for root
and hot passes. A softer arc is preferred for fill and cap passes
where weld puddle control and deposition ("stacking" of iron) are
key to fast travel speeds. It is recommended that the ARC
CONTROL be set initially at 0.
TOUCH START TIG MODE
The VANTAGE® 549 can be used in a wide variety of DC TIG
welding applications.
The TOUCH START TIG setting of the MODE switch is for DC TIG
(Tungsten Inert Gas) welding. To initiate a weld, the OUTPUT
CONTROL knob is first set to the desired current and the tungsten
is touched to the work. During the time the tungsten is touching
the work there is very little voltage or current and, in general,
avoids tungsten contamination. Then, the tungsten is gently lifted
off the work in a rocking motion, which establishes the arc.
To stop the arc, simply lift the TIG torch away from the work
piece. When the arc voltage reaches approximately 30 volts, the
arc will go out and the machine will automatically reset to the
touch start current level. The tungsten may then be retouched to
the work piece to restrike the arc. The arc may also be started and
stopped with an Amptrol or Arc Start Switch.
The ARC CONTROL is not active in the TIG mode.
In general the 'Touch Start' feature avoids tungsten contamination
without the use of a Hi-frequency unit. If the use of a high
frequency generator is desired, the K930-2 TIG Module can be
used with the
VANTAGE® 549. The settings are for reference.
The VANTAGE® 549 is equipped with the required R.F. bypass
circuitry for the connection of high frequency generating
equipment.
The VANTAGE® 549 and any high frequency generating
equipment must be properly grounded. See the K930-2 TIG
Module operating manuals for complete instructions on
installation, operation, and maintenance.
When using the TIG Module, the OUTPUT control on the
VANTAGE® 549 is used to set the maximum range of the
CURRENT CONTROL on the TIG Module Amptrol.
B-10
OPERATION