User manual

15
2.TIG welding defects – troubleshooting
DEFECT
POSSIBLE CAUSES
REMEDIES
1. The electrode melts
when the arc
strikes.
A. Electrode connected to the “+” pole.
A. Connect the electrode to the “-“ pole.
2. Dirty welding bath.
A. Electrode contaminated from contact
with the welding bath or rod.
B. Gas contaminated with air.
A. Remake the electrode tip.
B. Check the gas hoses or change bottle.
3. The electrode melts
or oxidises when
the arc strikes.
A. No gas available on the welding bath.
B. Torch clogged by impurities.
C. Gas hose cut.
D. Gas pathway contains impurities.
E. Gas valve closed.
F. Torch valve closed.
G. Electrode too small for current being
used.
A. Check for obstacles in the gas lines and
check the bottle.
B. Clean the torch.
C. Replace the gas hoses.
D. Detach the gas feed from the torch and
increase pressure to blow away
impurities.
E. Open.
F. Open.
G. Lower welding current or replace the
electrode with a larger one.
4. Welding visibly
slight.
A. Inadequate protective gas.
A. Increase the gas flow or check the gas
feed line.
5. Arc unstable during
TIG welding.
A. Tungsten electrode too big for the
welding current.
A. Select the right size electrode.
(Reference table 3).
6. The welding arc
doesn’t stabilize.
A. Earth clamp not connected to the
piece, or connectors not connected to
the right poles.
B. Incorrect gas flow, empty bottle or
closed valve.
A. Connect the earth clamp to the weld
piece or connect torch cables and earth
to the right connectors.
B. Correct the gas flow, change bottle or
open the valve.
7. The arc doesn’t
strike smoothly.
A. Tungsten electrode too big for the
welding current.
B. Tungsten electrode not adequate for
the job.
C. Gas flow too high.
D. Wrong gas being used.
E. Poor contact between earth clamp
and weld piece.
A. Select the right size electrode.
(Reference table 3).
B. Select the right type of electrode.
(Reference table 4).
C. Select the right gas flow for the job.
D. Select the right type of gas. (Reference
table 6).
E. Ensure good contact between earth
clamp and weld piece.