Full Product Manual
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Section 2 Setup Guide
STICK
NOTICE:
This unit operates multiple classes and sizes of electrodes, including E6010. There are basic differences in how a transformer welder and an
inverter welder handle E6010. Inverters, including this one, typically prefer a tight arc for E6010. In fact, the action of the arc force control
encourages this type of welding. Where a long arc is used to add extra heat in a weld with a transformer based Stick welder, the opposite is true
with an inverter Stick welder.
The rod should be pushed into the weld to provide more heat. Dragging, or a quick, tight stepping motion usually yields best results, especially
in open root welding. The arc force increases automatically increases amperage as the voltage falls when the arc is shortened. This helps pre-
vent snufng of the arc, or sticking of the rod in the weld. Increasing arc Amperage through the arc force setting offsets the loss of Voltage,
which helps maintain welding Wattage (VxA=W). Transformers cannot truly maintain a steady heat input due to the rise and fall of arc Voltage as
arc length is changed. Admittedly, this is a far different way of looking at things for those that have not been trained this way. In many ways,
engineering call outs for specic amperages are meaningless because wattage is constantly varying with changes in arc voltage with transformer
welders. However, with inverters and the newer technology they bring to the industry, wattages can be maintained within a dened range be-
cause of the offsetting of Voltage loss by the increase of Amps. If you notice a rise in amperage, or a hotter weld than you’d experience with a
transformer, this is largely due to the action of the arc force and not a problem with the welder. Although relatively low arc force is needed for
iron-powder and titania fluxed rods (i.e. E7014/E7018/E7014) trying to Zero out (set at 0) the arc force will not force the unit to act like a trans-
former machine. It will only cause arc quality and stability to deteriorate. For these type rods, start by using 20% arc force setting, and adjust
from there. For Cellulose fluxed rods, (i.e. E6010/E6011) start with 60 to 80% arc force setting and increase or decrease as needed.
This may require some retraining and disciplined rod manipulation by some users who have learned older techniques, especially those that use
long swinging/flogging motions to whip in and out of the weld puddle. At the very least, it will require an exercise of patience for some users to
get used to the new technique.
Longer arcs offer more opportunity for porosity and weld inclusions. The shorter arc techniques used recommended for welding with inverters
help eliminate this issue. For best E6010 and cellulosic performance, use the Power-Set function where the exact class (6011, 7018, 6010 etc.)
of electrode and size of electrode can be selected. In manual mode the performance mode for E6010 is not available. Manual mode is good for
E7018 and other rods, including stainless, aluminum, or specialty rods not listed in the Power-Set menu.