Full Product Manual

Section 2 Setup Guide

General Product and Use Information

GAS SELECTION

Gas selection for different processes can be confusing. The unit has preset selections for gas type and recommenda-

tions for gas in the reminder screen that pops up for a few seconds when a new process is selected. These guides

help you remember which gases should be used. However, for MIG, they are not absolute. This is particularly true of

the MIG Steel C25 and MIG Stainless Mode, unless it is being used in Pro-Set mode. In the Pro-Set mode the sug-

gested gas must be used to obtain workable and accurate settings. The suggested gases for MIG are based upon

standard, short-circuit mode and do not take into account the axial spray mode. See below for the stated Gas modes

and alternate (permissible) gases that can be used.

• TIG (Steel Stainless): Recommended: 100% Argon; Permissible: He/Ar mix, no more than 25% He

• TIG (Aluminum): Recommended 100% Argon; Permissible: He/Ar mix, no more than 25% He

• Stainless MIG: Recommended: 98/2 Ar/CO2 , Permissible: Tri-Mix (for short circuit only)

• Steel MIG C25: Recommended: 75/25 Ar/CO2 (for short circuit); Permissible: 90/10, 80/20, 95/5 Ar/CO2 (All

gases 80/20 and above are considered to be gases used for axial spray.)

• Steel MIG: C100: Recommended: 100% CO2 (for short circuit); Permissible: No other gas.

• Aluminum MIG: Recommended: 100% Argon; Permissible: No other gas.

WARNING!

Do not leave the regulator on when not the welder is not in use or loss of cylinder contents may occur. Loss of cylin-

der contents may result in asphyxiation since the shielding gas is heavier than air and does not dissipate quickly. Al-

ways have enough ventilation. Do not weld in tight, closed spaces for extended periods of time.

ADJUSTING GAS FLOW RATES:

The gas flow rates for TIG and MIG welding are critical for creating a good, contamination and porosity free weld. Too

much flow rate will create turbulence and introduce air to the weld. It may seem counter-intuitive, but solving issues

with gas coverage by steadily increasing gas flow can create more problems than it solves, and can actually mimic the

same issues observed by too little gas flow. In general, ideal gas flow will vary and no one gas flow rate is perfect for

every situation. Gas flow rates for MIG are usually 20 to 30% higher than the gas flow rates used for TIG. However,

when adjusting gas flow, keep in mind the following variables:

• Joint Design/Type

• Nozzle/Cup Size (Larger cups require more gas flow. TIG Gas lenses offset the increased demand of larger cups.)

• Metal Type (Aluminum typically requires higher rates, especially in MIG.)

• Welding Position (Flat position usually requires less gas flow.)

• Air Circulation Around the Weld Area (TIG is more sensitive.)

• Gas Type (Gases with Helium require higher flow rates.)

The best method for setting gas flow rates involves trial and error by welding, observing the weld and stopping to

make quick gas flow adjustments.

To properly set gas flow in MIG or TIG modes:

• Start by setting the gas flow rate to 20 CFH. This will get you close to where you need to be in most cases.

• Lower the gas flow rate, 2 CFH at a time. Do this until bubbles and porosity, and extra soot are noticed in and

around the weld (for TIG and MIG) and tungsten ( for TIG only) is not shiny.

• If bubbles and porosity are present at 20CFH, proceed directly to the next step.

• Slowly raise the gas flow rate 1CFH at a time until the bubbles and porosity disappear from the weld.

• Once the porosity and gas disappear, add another 1 to 2 CFH to allow a buffer zone of gas flow. This will mini-

mize gas wasting and prevent issues caused by too much gas flow. The weld should be bright and shiny if the

metal was properly prepped, gun/torch angles were correct etc.

For Aluminum MIG welding, extra gas flow is required. Start this process around 30 CFH.