Lincoln Electric IM10030 manual Welding Process, Typical Current Ranges 1 for Tungsten ELECTRODES2

b-4 OPERATION b-4

WELDING PROCESS

For any electrodes the procedures should be kept within the rating of the machine. For electrode infor- mation see the appropriate Lincoln publication.

STICK (CONSTANT CURRENT) WELDING

Connect welding cables to the "TO WORK” and "ELECTRODE” studs. Start the engine. Set the "Polarity” switch to the desired polarity. The “RANGE” switch markings indicate the maximum current for that range as well as the typical electrode size for that range. The “OUTPUT” Control provides fine adjust- ment of the welding current within the select range. For maximum output within a selected range set the “OUTPUT” Control at 10. For minimum output within a selected range set the “OUTPUT” Control at 5. (“OUT- PUT” Control settings below 5 may reduce arc stabili- ty) For best overall welding performance set the “RANGE” Switch to the lowest setting and the OUT- PUT” Control near the maximum to achieve the desired welding current.

RANGE SETTING	TYPICAL	CURRENT RANGE
	ELECTRODE SIzE
90 MAX.	3/32	40 TO 90 AMPS
145 MAX.	1/8	70 TO 145 AMPS
225 MAX.	5/32	120 TO 225 AMPS

The RANGER® 3 PHASE can be used with a broad range of DC stick electrodes. See “Welding Tips 1” included with the RANGER® 3 PHASE for electrodes within the rating of this unit and recommended weld- ing currents of each.

SCRATCh START TIG (CONSTANT CURRENT) WELDING

The RANGER® 3 PHASE can be used for Scratch-Start of DC TIG welding applications. To initiate a weld, the course and fine output control knobs must be set for the desired current. The tungsten electrode is then scratch on the work which establish- es 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 RANGER® 3 PHASE. The settings are refer- enced.

The RANGER® 3 PHASE and any high frequency generating equipment must be properly grounded. See the K930-2 TIG Module operating manuals for complete instructions on installa- tion, operation and maintenance.

When using the TIG Module, the OUTPUT control on the RANGER® 3 PHASE is used to set the maximum range of the CURRENT CONTROL on the TIG Module or an Amptrol if connected to the TIG Module.

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	= 1/2 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.

RANGER® 3 PhASE