Full Product Manual

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HIGH FREQUENCY (HF) START OPERATION
NOTICE: Low Amp starts require a smaller distance between the workpiece and the tungsten. Smaller diameter tungsten offers the best arc starts at low amps.
HF starts provide the cleanest, and least contaminating type of arc start. No touching of the tungsten is required. HF may be used in AC or DC modes. HF starting
is almost always used with AC when welding aluminum. With DC, either Lift Start or HF Start works ne.
To start the arc with HF:
1. Position the point of the sharpened tungsten about 1/8” or less above the metal.
2. Press the torch trigger or press the foot pedal to initiate the arc. The HF arc will be initiated. It may appear briefly as a blue spark or small lighting bolt.
3. An arc should form, almost immediately after the pre-flow cycle is completed. HF arc initiation will be delayed by the amount of pre-flow time used. If arc
does not start after the pre-flow interval, and the HF is creating a spark, then check the work clamp contact with the work piece. Move the tungsten closer to
the work. Repeat steps 1 and 2.
4. Leave 1/8” or less gap between the tungsten tip and the metal and proceed with welding, leaving the torch inclined at a 15° angle.
LIFT START OPERATION
NOTICE: When using the TIG lift start function, the lift start should be performed using a light touch and a quick, seamless motion.
Lift Start is often used anywhere HF use is restricted, particularly in hospitals, or where computers are in close proximity. Steel or Stainless are good candidates for
Lift Start operation. Aluminum is generally not used with Lift Start due to contamination of the Tungsten. However, in restricted areas, the welder may be operated
with Lift Start in the AC mode. When using the Lift Start in AC mode, start the arc on a nearby scrap piece of copper, and transfer the arc over to the work piece
immediately after the arc is struck.
To start the arc with Lift Start:
1. Position the edge of the ceramic cup on the metal. Press and hold the torch switch or press the foot pedal. Wait for the Pre-flow to start. (Make sure pre-
flow is set for less than .4 seconds or start will be noticeably delayed.)
2. Quickly rotate cup so that the tungsten comes in brief contact with the metal.
3. After contact with the metal, immediately rock the torch back so that the tungsten breaks contact with the metal.
4. An arc should form. As the arc grows, raise the cup up off the metal and slowly rotate the torch into welding position.
5. Leave 1/8” or less gap between the tip of the Tungsten and the metal. Proceed with welding, leaving the torch inclined at a 15° angle.
2
3
5
<1/8”
1
2
3
4
1
4
<1/8”
<1/8”
TIG ARC STARTING
Section 3 Basic Theory and Function
CAUTION!
The use of HF does create an opportunity for a mild electrical shock if the Tungsten is contacting skin, or if damp gloves or clothes
are being worn while coming into contact with the torch, table or the part that is being welded while the arc is being struck. Try to
keep your body from coming into direct contact with the torch, table or parts while welding if this occurs. Use dry gloves to protect
the hands.