Lincoln Electric IM10019 manual Typical Current Ranges 1 for Tungsten ELECTRODES2, Table B.3

B-6	OPERATION	B-6
TIG

The BIG RED™ 600 can be used for Scratch-Start of DC TIG welding applications.

Use the “Output Range Selector” and “Output Control Adjustments” to set the desired current. To initiate a weld, the tungsten electrode is then scratched on the work which establishes the arc. To stop the arc, simply lift the TIG torch away from the work piece. The tungsten may then be scratched on the work piece to restrike the arc.

If a high frequency start is desired, the K930-2 TIG Module can be used with the BIG RED™ 600. The BIG RED™ 600 and any high frequency generating equipment must be properly grounded. See the K930-2 TIG Module operating manuals for com- plete instructions on installation, operation, and maintenance.

When using the TIG Module, the OUTPUT control on the BIG RED™ 600 is used to set the maximum range of the CURRENT CONTROL on the TIG Module or an Amptrol if connected to the TIG Module.

TABLE B.3

TYPICAL CURRENT RANGES (1) FOR TUNGSTEN ELECTRODES(2)

Tungsten Electrode		DCEN (-)	DCEP (+)	Approximate Argon Gas Flow					TIG TORCH
Diameter in. (mm)				Flow Rate C.F.H. ( l		/min.)			Nozzle Size (4), (5)
		1%, 2% Thoriated	1%, 2% Thoriated	Aluminum			Stainless Steel
		Tungsten	Tungsten
.010	(.25)	2-15	(3)	3-8	(2-4)		3-8	(2-4)	#4, #5, #6
0.020	(.50)	5-20	(3)	5-10	(3-5)		5-10	(3-5)
0.040	(1.0)	15-80	(3)	5-10	(3-5)		5-10	(3-5)
1/16	(1.6)	70-150	10-20	5-10	(3-5)		9-13	(4-6)	#5, #6
3/32	(2.4)	150-250	15-30	13-17	(6-8)		11-15	(5-7)	#6, #7, #8
1/8	(3.2)	250-400	25-40	15-23	(7-11)		11-15	(5-7)
5/32	(4.0)	400-500	40-55	21-25	(10-12)		13-17	(6-8)	#8, #10
3/16	(4.8)	500-750	55-80	23-27	(11-13)		18-22	(8-10)
1/4	(6.4)	750-1000	80-125	28-32	(13-15)		23-27	(11-13)

(1)When used with argon gas. The current ranges shown must be reduced when using argon/helium or pure helium shielding gases.

(2)Tungsten electrodes are classified as follows by the American Welding Society (AWS):

Pure	EWP
1% Thoriated	EWTh-1
2% Thoriated	EWTh-2

Though not yet recognized by the AWS, Ceriated Tungsten is now widely accepted as a substitute for 2% Thoriated Tungsten in AC and DC applications.

(3)DCEP is not commonly used in these sizes.

(4)TIG torch nozzle "sizes" are in multiples of 1/16ths of an inch:

# 4 = 1/4 in.		(6 mm)
# 5	= 5/16 in.	(8 mm)
# 6	= 3/8 in.	(10 mm)
# 7	= 7/16 in.	(11 mm)
# 8	= _ in.	(12.5 mm)
#10 = 5/8 in.		(16 mm)

(5)TIG torch nozzles are typically made from alumina ceramic. Special applications may require lava nozzles, which are less prone to breakage, but cannot withstand high temperatures and high duty cycles.

BIG RED™ 600