Engine Break-In; Welder Operation; Duty Cycle; Current Control - Lincoln Electric SAE-300 HE Operator's Manual

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ENGINE BREAK-IN

Lincoln Electric selects high quality, heavy-duty indus-
trial engines for the portable welding machines we
offer. While it is normal to see a small amount of
crankcase oil consumption during initial operation,
excessive oil use, wet stacking (oil or tar like sub-
stance at the exhaust port), or excessive smoke is not
normal.
Larger machines with a capacity of 350 amperes and
higher, which are operated at low or no-load condi-
tions for extended periods of time are especially sus-
ceptible to the conditions described above. To
accomplish successful engine break-in, most diesel-
powered equipment needs only to be run at a reason-
ably heavy load within the rating of the welder for
some period of time during the engine's early life.
However, if the welder is subjected to extensive light
loading, occasional moderate to heavy loading of the
engine may sometimes be necessary. Caution must
be observed in correctly loading a diesel/generator
unit.
1. Connect the welder output studs to a suitable
resistive load bank. Note that any attempt to
short the output studs by connecting the welding
leads together, direct shorting of the output studs,
or connecting the output leads to a length of steel
will result in catastrophic damage to the generator
and voids the warranty.
2. Set the welder controls for an output current and
voltage within the welder rating and duty cycle.
Note that any attempt to exceed the welder rating
or duty cycle for any period of time will result in
catastrophic damage to the generator and voids
the warranty.
3. Periodically shut off the engine and check the
crankcase oil level.
OPERATION

WELDER OPERATION

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DUTY CYCLE

The NEMA output rating of the SAE-300
amperes at 32 arc volts on a 60% duty cycle (consult
Specifications in this manual for alternate ratings).
Duty cycle is based on a ten minute period; thus, the
welder can be loaded at rated output for six minutes
out of every ten minute period.

CURRENT CONTROL

Do not adjust the "Current Control" while welding
because this can damage the control.
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The "Coarse Current Control" is the main Current
Adjuster and together with the "Fine Current Control"
adjusts the current from minimum to maximum. Open
circuit voltage is also controlled by the "Fine Current
Control" permitting control of the arc characteristics.
A high open circuit voltage setting provides the soft
"buttering" arc with best resistance to pop-outs pre-
ferred for most welding. To get this characteristic, set
the "Coarse Current Control" to the lowest setting that
still provides the current you need and set the "Fine
Current Control" near maximum.
When a forceful "digging" arc is required, usually for
vertical and overhead welding, use a higher "Coarse
Current Control" setting and lower open circuit volt-
age.
Some arc instability may be experienced with EXX10
electrodes when trying to operate with long arc tech-
niques at settings at the lower end of the open circuit volt-
age range.
®
SAE-300 HE
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
• Do not touch electrically live parts or
electrode with skin or wet clothing.
• Insulate yourself from work and ground.
FUMES & GASES can be dangerous.
• Keep your head out of the fumes.
• Use ventilation or exhaust to remove
fumes from breathing zone.
WELDING SPARKS can cause fire or
explosion.
• Keep flammable material away.
ARC RAYS can burn.
• Wear eye, ear, and body protection.
CAUTION
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HE is 300