Power Supply; Operating Environment - Weldclass FORCE 160MST MK2 Operating Instructions Manual

MIG Welding Mode
The MIG voltage control is essentially the power in
the welding arc that sets the heat. The wire speed
feed simply controls the rate at which the welding
wire is fed into the weld pool.
For any voltage position setting, there will be a
specific corresponding 'sweet spot' in the wire
feeding speed that will give the smoothest and
most stable welding arc. The correct wire feeding
speed for a given voltage setting is affected by
welding wire type and size, shielding gas, welding
material and joint type.
It is recommended to set the welding voltage as
desired and then slowly adjust the wire speed until
the arc is smooth and stable. When reaching this
point, if the penetration/ heat input is too much/
not enough, adjust the voltage setting and repeat
the process. If the operator is not able to achieve a
smooth and stable arc with the desired heat input
for the weld, it is likely that a change in wire size
and/or shielding gas type is required (assuming all
other factors are correct).
A chart with recommended settings using this
machine for common welding applications is
located on the underside 0f the wire feeder cover
door and further on in this manual.
MMA/ Lift TIG Welding Mode
The current control knob sets the target welding
output current for either mode selected. The
voltage knob has no effect in MMA or TIG mode.
Lift TIG Mode
Lift TIG is an arc ignition system for basic TIG
welding that removes the need to 'scratch' start or
strike the tungsten on the work piece to start the
arc, which can have a negative effect on the weld
quality due to tungsten contamination. Lift arc
starting works by gently touching the tungsten on
the work piece and then lifting it off. The control
circuit will sense when the tungsten is removed
from the work piece and send a pulse of electricity
through the torch that will cause the TIG arc to
initiate.
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Overload Indicator Lamp
Lights when duty cycle is exceeded and thermal
protection is activated. When thermal protection is
activated, welding output will be disabled until
machines cools sufficiently and overload indicator
lamp goes out. Also may activate with inverter
circuit failure issues.

Power Supply

Electrical Connection
The 160MST & 180MST are designed to operate on
a 10A 240V AC power supply.
Extension Leads
If an extension cord must be used, it should be
minimum cable core size 2.0mm
up to 10m, or minimum 2.5mm2 for length up to
20m. Using extension leads of over 20m is not
recommended.
Generator Use
This machine has a wide input power variation
tolerance (~170-265V), allowing it to operate off
generator power. However, this machine is NOT
designed for frequent generator use and is NOT
protected against poor quality power or voltage
spikes. Any damage caused by generator power
supply is not covered under warranty.
If generator power must be used, generator size
should be not less than 8kva. Avoid using poor, low
quality generators as these have the greatest risk
of power spikes etc. A suitable quality generator
should have a THD (total harmonic distortion)
rating of not more than 6%. Most reputable
generator supplier will be able to specify the THD
ratings on their product.

Operating Environment

Adequate ventilation is required to provide proper
cooling. Ensure that the machine is placed on
a stable level surface where clean cool air can
easily flow through the unit. The Force range has
electrical components and control circuit boards
which may be damaged by excessive dust and dirt,
so a clean operating environment is essential.
for length of
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