Lincoln Electric IM10003 VANTAGE 500-I - Manual (Page 20)

ARC GOUGING
The VANTAGE® 500-I can be used for arc gouging.
For optimal performance, set the MODE switch to
ARC GOUGING.
Set the OUTPUT CONTROL knob to adjust output
current to the desired level for the gouging electrode
being used according to the ratings in the following
Table B.2.
Carbon Diameter Current Range (DC, elec-
trode positive)
1/8"(3.2mm) 60-90 Amps
5/32"(4.0mm) 90-150 Amps
3/16"9(4.8mm) 200-250 Amps
1/4"(6.4mm) 300-400 Amps
5/16"(8.0mm) 400-Max.Amps
TAbLE b.2
The ARC CONTROL is not active in the ARC GOUG-
ING Mode. The ARC CONTROL is automatically set
to maximum when the ARC GOUGING mode is
selected which provides the best ARC GOUGING per-
formance.
b-5 OPERATION b-5
VANTAGE® 500-I
(arc-force) during stick welding to adjust for a soft
or crisp arc. Increasing the number from -10(soft) to
+10(crisp) increases the short circuit current and
prevents sticking of the electrode to the plate while
welding. This can also increase spatter. It is recom-
mended that the ARC CONTROL be set to the min-
imum number without electrode sticking. Start with
the dial set at 0.
DOWNHILL PIPE WELDING
This slope controlled setting is intended for "out-of-
position" and "down hill" pipe welding where the
operator would like to control the current level by
changing the arc length.
The OUTPUT CONTROL dial adjusts the full output
range for pipe welding.
The ARC CONTROL dial sets the short circuit cur-
rent (arc-force) during stick welding to adjust for a
soft or more forceful digging arc (crisp). Increasing
the number from -10(soft) to +10(crisp) increases
the short circuit current which results in a more
forceful digging arc.
Typically a forceful digging arc is preferred for root
and hot passes. A softer arc is preferred for fill and
cap passes where weld puddle control and deposi-
tion (“stacking” of iron) are key to fast travel
speeds. This can also increase spatter.
It is recommended that the ARC CONTROL be set
to the minimum number without electrode sticking.
Start with the dial set at 0.
WIRE WELDING-CV
Connect a wire feeder to the VANTAGE® 500-I
according to the instructions in INSTALLATION
INSTRUCTIONS Section.
The VANTAGE® 500-I in the CV-WIRE mode, per-
mits it to be used with a broad range of flux cored
wire (Innershield and Outershield) electrodes and
solid wires for MIG welding (gas metal arc welding).
Welding can be finely tuned using the ARC CON-
TROL. Turning the ARC CONTROL clockwise from
–10 (soft) to +10 (crisp) changes the arc from soft
and washed-in to crisp and narrow. It acts as an
inductance/pinch control. The proper setting
depends on the procedure and operator prefer-
ence. Start with the dial set at 0.