Lincoln Electric IM976 VANTAGE 300 - Manual (Page 24)

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.
B-6 OPERATION B-6
The VANTAGE® 300 can be used in a wide variety of
DC TIG welding applications. In general the ‘Touch
Start’ feature allows contamination free starting without
the use of a Hi-frequency unit. If desired, the K930-2
TIG Module can be used with the VANTAGE® 300.
The settings are for reference.
VANTAGE® 300 settings when using the K930-2 TIG
Module with an Amptrol or Arc Start Switch:
• Set the MODE Switch to the TOUCH START TIG
setting.
• Set the "IDLER" Switch to the "AUTO" position.
• Set the "WELDING TERMINALS" switch to the
"REMOTELY CONTROLLED" position. This will
keep the "Solid State" contactor open and provide a
"cold" electrode until the Amptrol or Arc Start Switch
is pressed.
When using the TIG Module, the OUTPUT CONTROL
on the VANTAGE® 300 is used to set the maximum
range of the CURRENT CONTROL on the TIG Module
or an Amptrol if connected to the TIG Module.
WIRE WELDING-CV
Connect a wire feeder to the VANTAGE® 300 accord-
ing to the instructions in INSTALLATION INSTRUC-
TIONS Section.
The VANTAGE® 300 in the CV-WIRE mode, permits
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 induc-
tance/pinch control. The proper setting depends on
the procedure and operator preference. Start with the
dial set at 0.
VANTAGE® 300
TABLE B.2