Thank you for purchasing this CLARKE Welder. The IMIG100NG inverter welder is
for light duty manual arc welding only. It has been designed specifically for
continuous welding of carbon or mild steels up to 4mm without protective gas
using appropriate 0.9mm flux cored electrode wire. The welder is designed for
domestic use only and not intended for commercial or trade use.
Before attempting to operate the machine, it is essential that you read this
manual thoroughly and carefully follow all instructions given. In doing so you
will ensure the safety of yourself and that of others around you, and you can
also look forward to the welder giving you long and satisfactory service.
MIG WELDING PRINCIPLES
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding allows you to fuse together two similar metals
without altering the properties of the metal.
A consumable wire electrode is continuously fed through the welding torch
that is fitted with a concentric gas nozzle. The wire is connected to a high
voltage supply which creates an electric arc between the electrode (the
wire) and the workpiece. The arc is used to create the required heat to turn
the metal into a molten state. The wire is used as both the electrode and as a
filler.
When using a gasless welder the shielding gas is created from the flux within
the welding wire.
When using the welder outside, you may need to erect a wind break.
GUARANTEE
This CLARKE product is guaranteed against faulty manufacture for a period of
12 months from the date of purchase. Please keep your receipt as proof of
purchase.
This guarantee is invalid if the product is found to have been abused or
tampered with in any way, or not used for the purpose for which it was
intended.
Faulty goods should be returned to their place of purchase, no product can
be returned to us without prior permission.
This guarantee does not effect your statutory rights.
WARNING: AS WITH ALL MACHINERY, THERE ARE CERTAIN HAZARDS
INVOLVED WITH THEIR OPERATION AND USE. EXERCISING RESPECT AND
CAUTION WILL CONSIDERABLY LESSEN THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
HOWEVER, IF NORMAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ARE OVERLOOKED, OR
IGNORED, PERSONAL INJURY TO THE OPERATOR MAY RESULT.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE RULES MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY.
GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
A) BURN PREVENTION
Wear protective clothing - gauntlet gloves designed for use in welding, apron,
and protective shoes. Button shirt collars and pocket flaps and wear cuffless
trousers to avoid entry of sparks and slag. Wear a helmet with safety goggles
or glasses with side shields underneath, appropriate filter lenses or plates
(protected by clear glass). This is a MUST for welding (and chipping) to protect
the eyes from radiant energy and spatter. Replace the cover glass when
broken, pitted, or spattered. Avoid oily or greasy clothing. A spark may ignite
them. Hot metal should never be handled without gloves. First aid facilities and
a qualified first aid person should be available unless medical facilities are
close by for immediate treatment of flash burns of the eyes and skin burns. Ear
plugs should be worn when working overhead or in a confined space. A hard
hat should be worn when others work overhead. Flammable hair preparations
should not be used by persons intending to weld or cut.
NOTE: ALL protective wear including masks & head shields MUST comply
with PPE Directive 89/686/EEC
B) TOXIC FUME PREVENTION
Severe discomfort, illness or death can result from fumes, vapours, heat, or
oxygen enrichment or depletion that welding (or cutting) may produce.
Prevent them with adequate ventilation. NEVER ventilate with oxygen. Lead-,
cadmium-, zinc-, mercury- and beryllium-, bearing materials, when welded (or
cut) may produce harmful concentrations of toxic fumes. Adequate local
exhaust ventilation must be used, or each person in the area as well as the
operator must wear an air-supplied respirator. For beryllium, both must be
used. Metals coated with or containing materials that emit toxic fumes should
not be heated unless coating is removed from the work surface, the area is
well ventilated, or the operator wears an air-supplied respirator. Work in a
confined space only while it is being force ventilated and, if necessary, while
wearing an air-supplied respirator. Vapours from chlorinated solvents can be
decomposed by the heat of the arc (or flame) to form PHOSGENE, a highly
toxic gas, and other lung and eye irritating products. The ultraviolet (radiant)
energy of the arc can also decompose trichloroethylene and perchloro-
ethylene vapours to form phosgene. DO NOT WELD or cut where solvent
vapours can be drawn into the welding or cutting atmosphere or where the
radiant energy can penetrate to atmospheres containing even minute
amounts of trichloroethylene or perchloroethylene.
C) FIRE AND EXPLOSION PREVENTION
Causes of fire and explosion are:
1. Combustibles reached by the arc, flame, flying sparks, hot slag or heated
material;
2. Misuse of compressed gases and cylinders.
3. Short circuits.
BE AWARE that flying sparks or falling slag can pass through cracks, along
pipes, through windows or doors, and through wall or floor openings, out of
sight of the goggled operator.
To prevent fires and explosion: keep equipment clean and operable, free of
oil, grease, and (in electrical parts) of metallic particles that can cause short
circuits. If combustibles are in the area, DO NOT weld. Move the work if
practicable, to an area free of combustibles.
Avoid working in paint spray rooms, dip tanks, storage areas, ventilators. If the
work cannot be moved, move combustibles away from sparks and heat; or
protect against ignition with suitable fire- resistant covers or shields.
Walls, ceilings, and floor near work should be protected by heat resistant
covers or shields. Fire watcher must be standing by with suitable fire
extinguishing equipment during and for some time after welding or cutting if:
1. Appreciable combustibles (including building construction) are within 10m.
2. Appreciable combustibles are further than 10m, but can be ignited by
sparks.
3. Openings (concealed or visible) in floors or walls can expose combustibles
to sparks.
4. Combustibles adjacent to walls, ceilings, roofs or metal partitions can be
ignited by radiant or conducted heat.
After work, check that area is free of sparks, glowing embers and flames. An
empty container that held combustibles or that can produce flammable or
toxic vapours when heated, must never be welded on or cut, unless the
container has first been cleaned. This includes a thorough steam or caustic
cleaning (or a solvent or water washing, depending on the combustible’s
solubility) followed by purging and inerting with nitrogen or carbon dioxide,
and using protective equipment.
Water filling just below the working level may substitute for inerting.
A container with unknown contents should be cleaned (see paragraph
above). Do NOT depend on sense of smell or sight to determine if it is safe to
weld or cut. Hollow castings or containers must be vented before welding or
cutting as they can explode.
In explosive atmospheres, never weld or cut where the air may contain
flammable dust, gas, or liquid vapours.
ELECTRIC ARC (MIG, TIG) WELDING
Comply with precautions in above and this section. Arc welding, properly
done, is a safe process but a careless operator invites trouble. The equipment
carries high currents at significant voltages. The arc is very bright and hot.
Sparks fly, fumes rise, ultraviolet and infrared energy radiates and work pieces
are hot. The wise operator avoids unnecessary risks and protects himself and
others from accidents.
BURN PROTECTION
The welding arc is intense and visibly bright. It’s radiation can damage eyes,
penetrate lightweight clothing, reflect from light coloured surfaces and burn
the skin and eyes. Skin burns resemble acute sunburn, those from gas shielded arcs are more severe and painful.
DON’T GET BURNED! FOLLOW ALL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS!
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
Wear long sleeved clothing (particularly for gas shielded arc) in addition to
gloves, apron and strong shoes. As necessary, use additional protective
clothing such as leather jacket or sleeves, flameproof apron, and fire-resistant
leggings. Avoid outer garments of untreated cotton. Bare skin protection:
Wear dark substantial clothing, Button collars closed to protect the chest and
neck and button any pockets to prevent entry of sparks.
EYE AND HEAD PROTECTION
Protect eyes from exposure to arc. NEVER look at an electric arc without
protection. Welding helmet or shield containing an appropriate filter plate
(Please refer to the section ‘Welding Shield). Place over face before striking
arc. Protect filter plate with a clear cover plate. Cracked or broken helmet or
shield should NOT be worn; radiation can pass through to cause burns.
Cracked, broken, or loose filter plates must be replaced IMMEDIATELY.
Replace clear cover plate when broken, pitted, or spattered. WE SUGGEST
you wear flash goggles with side shields under the helmet, to give some
protection to the eyes should the helmet not be lowered over the face before
an arc is struck. Looking at an arc momentarily with unprotected eyes
(particularly high
intensity gas-shielded arc) can cause a retinal burn that may leave a
permanent dark area in the field of vision. Before welding whilst wearing
contact lenses, seek advice from your optician.
PROTECTION OF NEARBY PERSONNEL
For production welding, a separate, well vented room or enclosed bay is best.
In open areas, surround the operation with low reflective, non- combustible
screens or panels. Allow for free air circulation, particularly at floor level.
Provide face shields for all persons who will be looking directly at the weld.
Others working in the area should wear flash goggles. Before starting to weld,
make sure that screen or bay doors are closed.
SHOCK PREVENTION
Exposed live conductors or other bare metal in the welding circuit, or in
unearthed, electrically-LIVE equipment can fatally shock a person whose
body becomes a conductor. DO NOT STAND, SIT, LIE, LEAN ON, OR TOUCH a
wet surface when welding, without suitable protection.
PROTECTION FOR WEARERS OF ELECTRONIC LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES
(PACEMAKERS).
Magnetic fields from high currents can affect pacemaker operation. Persons
wearing pacemakers should consult with their doctor before going near arc
welding or spot welding operations.
Keep your body and clothing dry. Never work in a damp area without
adequate insulation against electric shock. Stay on a dry duckboard or rubber
mat when dampness or sweat cannot be avoided. Sweat, sea water or
moisture between body and an electrically LIVE part - or earthed metal reduces the body surface electrical resistance, enabling dangerous and
possibly lethal currents to flow through the body.
1) EARTHING THE EQUIPMENT
When arc welding equipment is earthed according to the National Electrical
Code, and the workpiece is earthed, a voltage may exist between the
electrode and any conducting object.
Examples of conducting objects include, but are not limited to, buildings,
electrical tools, work benches, welding power source cases, workpieces, etc.
Never touch the electrode and any metal object unless the welding power
source is off. When installing, connect the frames of each unit such as welding
power source, control, work table, and water circulator to the building earth.
Conductors must be adequate to carry earth currents safely. Equipment
made electrically LIVE by stray current may shock, possibly fatally. Do not
EARTH to electrical conduit, or to a pipe carrying ANY gas or a flammable
liquid such as oil or fuel.
A fully insulated torch should be used without protruding screws or other
damage.
3) CONNECTORS
Fully insulated lock-type connectors should be used to join welding cable.
4) CABLES
Frequently inspect cables for wear, cracks and damage. IMMEDIATELY
REPLACE those with excessively worn or damaged insulation to avoid possibly
lethal shock from bared cable. Cables with damaged areas may be taped to
give resistance equivalent to original cable. Keep cable dry, free of oil and
grease and protected from hot metal and sparks.
5) TERMINALS AND OTHER EXPOSED PARTS
Terminals and other exposed parts of electrical units should have insulating
covers secured before operation.
6) SAFETY DEVICES
Safety devices such as interlocks and circuit breakers should not be
disconnected or shunted out. Before installation, inspection, or service of
equipment, shut OFF all power and remove line fuses (or lock or red-tag
switches) to prevent accidental turning ON of power. Do not open power
circuit or change polarity while welding. If, in an emergency, it must be
disconnected, guard against shock burns, or flash from switch arcing. Always
shut OFF and disconnect all power to equipment. A power disconnect switch
must be available near the welding power source.
The working area must be sufficiently spacious, not humid, and well-ventilated
as to avoid any fumes which develop from the welding process and from
incidental material adhering to the pieces to be welded (oils, paints, tars...)
which may cause danger to the operator.
Avoid welding tanks which may contain flammable residuals.
WARNING: ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN BE FATAL. A PERSON QUALIFIED IN FIRST
AID SHOULD ALWAYS BE PRESENT IN THE WORKING AREA. IF PERSON IS
UNCONSCIOUS AND ELECTRIC SHOCK IS SUSPECTED, DO NOT TOUCH
THE PERSON IF HE OR SHE IS IN CONTACT WITH THE WELDER OR CABLES.
DISCONNECT THE WELDER FROM THE POWER SOURCE AND THEN USE FIRST
AID. DRY WOOD, OR OTHER INSULATING MATERIAL CAN BE USED TO
MOVE CABLES, IF NECESSARY, AWAY FROM THE PERSON.
ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS FOR MIG WELDING
1. ALWAYS ensure that there is full free air circulating around the outer casing
of the machine, and that the louvres are unobstructed.
2. Welding arc can seriously damage your eyes. Both operator and
spectators must ALWAYS use a proper welding face shield or helmet with
suitable filter lenses. Proper gloves and working clothes should be worn at
all times including a welding apron and welding screen.
3. ALWAYS inspect the torch hose before use to ensure it is in good condition.
4. ALWAYS keep the free length of torch hose outside the work area.
5. ALWAYS remove all flammable materials from the welding area.
6. NEVER remove any of the panels unless the machine is disconnected from
the supply and never use the machine with any of the panels removed.
7. NEVER use or store in a damp environment. DO NOT EXPOSE TO RAIN.
8. ALWAYS keep a fire extinguisher handy....’Dry Powder, CO2 or BCF, NOT
Water.
9. NEVER attempt any electrical or mechanical repair unless your are a
qualified technician. If you have a problem with the machine contact your
local CLARKE dealer.
10. NEVER continue to weld, if, at any time, you feel even the smallest electric
shock. Stop welding IMMEDIATELY and DO NOT attempt to use the
machine until the fault is diagnosed and corrected.
11. NEVER point the MIG torch at any person or animal.
12. NEVER touch the MIG torch nozzle until the welder is switched OFF and the
nozzle has been allowed to cool.
13. NEVER connect, disconnect, or attempt to service the welding torch, until
the machine is switched OFF and disconnected from the mains supply.
14. NEVER allow the earth cable or torch hose to become wrapped around
the operator or any person in the vicinity.
A comprehensive range of CLARKE safety equipment for use when welding is
available from your local dealer.
Consideration should be given to shielding the supply cable of permanently
installed welding equipment, in metallic conduit or equivalent. Shielding
should be electrically continuous throughout its length.
The shielding should be connected to the welding power source so that good
electrical contact is maintained between the conduit and the welding power
source enclosure.
The welding equipment should be routinely maintained according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations. All access and service doors and covers
should be closed and properly fastened when the welding equipment is in
operation. The welding equipment should not be modified in any way except
for those changes and adjustments covered in the manufacturer’s
instructions. In particular, the spark gaps of arc striking and stabilizing devices
should be adjusted and maintained according to the manufacturers
recommendations.
ENVIRONMENTAL RECYCLING POLICY
Through purchase of this product, the customer is taking on the
obligation to deal with the WEEE in accordance with the WEEE
regulations in relation to the treatment, recycling & recovery and
environmentally sound disposal of the WEEE.
In effect, this means that this product must not be disposed of with general
household waste. It must be disposed of according to the laws governing
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) at a recognised disposal
facility.
If disposing of this product or any damaged components, do not dispose of
with general waste. This product contains valuable raw materials. Metal
products should be taken to your local civic amenity site for recycling of metal
products.
WARNING: READ THESE ELECTRICAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FULLY
BEFORE CONNECTING THE PRODUCT TO THE MAINS SUPPLY.
This product is provided with a standard 13 amp, 240 volt (50Hz), BS 1363 plug,
for connection to a standard, domestic electrical supply. Should the plug
need changing, make sure that a plug of identical specification is used.
WARNING: THE WIRES IN THE CABLE ARE COLOURED AS FOLLOWS:
BLUE = NEUTRAL BROWN = LIVE YELLOW AND GREEN = EARTH
If the colours of the wires in the power cable do not correspond with the
markings on the terminals of your plug, proceed as follows.
• Connect the blue
wire to the terminal
marked N.
• Connect the brown
wire to the terminal
marked L.
• Connect the Yellow and Green wire to
the terminal
marked E or.
We recommend that this
machine is connected to the mains supply via a Residual Current Device
(RCD)
If in doubt, consult a qualified electrician. DO NOT attempt any repairs
yourself.
1. Welding Thickness Guide. Use this
table as an initial guide to setting
the welder and adjust for the best
quality weld.
2. Power Indicator Lamp. This will light
when the power is switched on.
3. Thermal overload light. If the duty
cycle is exceeded as a result of
welding too long with a high
current, the yellow overload light
will illuminate and the welder will turn off. When the welder has cooled
down (approx. 5 to 10 minutes), the power will be restored and welding
can recommence.
4. Output Control Voltage. Adjust the control according to the metal
thickness.
5. Wire speed control knob. As a general rule, a higher current requires a
higher wire speed.
PREPARATION FOR USE
MOUNTING THE WELDING WIRE SPOOL
Warning: Ensure that the welder is not connected to the mains supply.
NOTE: Spools of welding wire are available from your CLARKE dealer.
1. Open the side panel.
2. Remove the retaining wingnut,
washer and retaining disc.
3. Fit the spool of welding wire (not
supplied) over the spindle so that
it compresses the spring.
• DO NOT release the tension on
the wire as it will unravel
causing feeding problems later.
• The wire will feed off the spool from the top of the reel.
The area being welded should be perfectly clean. Any coating, plating or
corrosion must be removed, otherwise a good weld will be impossible to
achieve.
Attach the earth clamp to the workpiece as close to the point of weld as
possible, without it being intrusive.
OPERATION
CAUTION: THE DUTY CYCLE MUST BE ADHERED IN ORDER TO PREVENT
THE THERMAL OVERLOAD PROTECTION FROM ACTIVATING
1. The table below is displayed on the welder control panel. Adjust the
Welding Voltage and Wire Speed controls according to the task.
Workpiece thickness-/- mm1234
Output voltage control0.9A-BB-FD-JI-J
Wire Speed control0-11-43-97-9
2. Plug the machine into the mains supply and switch on.
3. With the welding current set and the wire trimmed, set the wire feed
control to an intermediate setting.
4. Cover your face with a welding mask or welding helmet.
• This is essential.
5. Lower the torch to the workpiece with one hand and approach the work
with the torch tip at an angle of about 35
• As the wire touches the workpiece an arc will be struck.
6. In order to produce a satisfactory weld, the controls may be fine tuned as
required. This will come with practice.
NOTE: MIG welding is an acquired skill. It is strongly advised that, if you
are not fully familiar with this type of welding, you practice on a
piece of material with the same characteristics as your workpiece
until you are satisfied with the result, and you have fine tuned your
welder to produce a satisfactory weld.
NOTE: One of the problems experienced with novice welders is the
welding wire sticking to the contact tip. This is as a result of the
wire feed speed being too slow. It is always better therefore to
start with too high a speed and back off slightly to avoid the
possibility of the wire welding itself to the tip. This is the reason
position 6 is recommended for start up.
NOTE: The Wire Feed control is for fine tuning the wire speed. The speed
of wire delivery will increase automatically as the current is
increased. Therefore, once the ideal speed is achieved by fine
tuning, it should not be necessary to adjust this control when the
welding current is changed.
NOTE: Listen to the sound made. An irregular crackling sound denotes
too high a wire speed. Decrease the speed until a regular, strong
buzzing sound is heard.
THERMAL OVERLOAD
The ‘Thermal Overload’ shuts off the
welder when it becomes too hot,
due to the duty cycle being
exceeded. This is to prevent any
damage to the welder.
When this occurs, the warning lamp
shown will light up. Allow the welder
to cool until the amber light
extinguishes before resuming work.
DUTY CYCLE
The duty cycle determines the machine ‘down time’. i.e 10% means 1 minutes
operation followed by 9 minutes of rest. The duty cycle must be adhered to
prevent the thermal cutout protection from activating.
IMIG100NG
Duty Cycle (%)2060100
Rated Welding Current (A)1006852
Conventional Load Voltage (V)1917.416.6
Do not exceed the stated duty cycle for this machine. Failure to heed this
warning may invalidate your warranty.
These welders are covered by regulations EN 60974-1 and EN 50199, where the
duty cycle is expressed as a percentage of time the machine may be used in
a given period for a specified welding current.
Using the example shown, which is an illustration of the data plate;-
e.g. when welding at 40 amps the machine may be used for 6 minutes (60%)
in any 10 minute period.
WELDING ADVICE
• Try to maintain the tip of the nozzle at an angle of approx. 45o and at a
constant distance of approx 5-7mm from the workpiece.
• Try to maintain a constant speed of movement with the torch.
• DO NOT weld in windy conditions or in an area where ventilation is a
problem, or where air flow fluctuates.
• ALWAYS keep the wire and nozzle clean...NEVER use rusted wire.
• Avoid sharp bends or kinks in the welding hose.
• Whenever possible, clean out the wire liner with compressed air when
replacing the wire spool.
• Periodically remove the dust using LOW PRESSURE compressed air within
the casing. Adequate heat dissipation is essential during the welders
operation.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: ELECTRICITY CAN KILL - NEVER TOUCH LIVE ELECTRICAL
COMPONENTS.
WARNING: DISCONNECT THE POWER SUPPLY BEFORE ALL INSPECTIONS
AND MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS. BEWARE HOT SURFACES.
WARNING: ALWAYS LET THE WELDER COOL DOWN BEFORE ACCESSING
INTERNAL COMPONENTS.
Frequency of maintenance operations depends on the operating conditions,
how intensively the welder is used and how clean or dirty the welding site is
(aggressive environments etc).
Always inspect the earth cable and torch hose before use, to ensure they are
in perfect condition and that the earth clamp is clean and secured correctly
to the cable.
Check the hose for security and damage.
As a general rule the power supply should be inspected at least annually.
Consult your CLARKE dealer for advice if necessary.
The feed roller wire guide plays an important part in obtaining consistent
results. Clean the rollers weekly, especially the feed roller groove, removing all
dust deposits.
Torch
Protect the torch hose assembly from mechanical wear. Clean the liner from
the machine forwards by using compressed air. If the liner is blocked it must be
replaced.
Contact Tip
The contact tip is a consumable item and must be replaced when the bore
becomes enlarged or oval. The contact tip MUST be kept free from spatter to
ensure an unimpeded flow of gas.
To keep the contact tip free from spatter, we recommend the use of antispatter spray (6000715) available from your CLARKE dealer.
Torch Shroud
The torch shroud must also be kept clean and free from spatter. Build-up of
spatter inside the gas cup can cause a short circuit at the contact tip which
will result in expensive machine repairs.
Your CLARKE welder has been designed to give long and trouble free service.
If however, having followed the instructions in this booklet carefully you still
encounter problems the following points should help identify and resolve
them.
PROBLEMCAUSESOLUTION
No response
from welder.
Welder does
not feed wire.
Feed motor
running but no
wire being fed
from welder tip.
Wire welds itself
to tip.
Wire feeds into
‘birds nest’
tangle.
Check fuses and mains
lead.
Feed motor has
malfunctioned.
Insufficient Feed Roller
pressure.
Burr on end of wire.Re-cut wire square with no burr.
Liner blocked or damaged.Clean with compressed air or
Inferior wireUse only good “clean” wire.
Roller worn out.Replace roller.
Wire feed speed too low.Unscrew tip, cut wire and fit
Wrong size tip.Fit correct size tip.
Wire welded to tipAs above plus reduce feed
Wire liner damaged
preventing smooth
operation.
Replace fuses as necessary. If
problem persists return welder
to your local dealer.
Check fuse size.
Return welder to your local
dealer.
Increase roller pressure.
replace liner.
new tip.
Increase wire speed before
operating again.
Loose coils of
wire tangle
around wire
drum inside
machine.
Erratic wire
feed.
Poor quality
welds.
Welder cuts out
whilst in use.
Locking knob too slack.Tighten Locking Knob slightly.
Do not over-tighten.
Tensioning Knob too tight.Loosen Tensioning Knob slightly.
Tension roller worn.Check and replace if
necessary.
Insufficient pressure on
tension roller.
Increase pressure on tension
roller
Caution: Do not over-tighten.
Wire dirty, rusty, damp or
bent.
Re-cut wire and ensure it is
clean.
Liner partially blocked.Clean with compressed air.
Rusty, painted, damp, oil or
greasy workpiece.
Ensure workpiece is clean and
dry.
Rusty/dirty wire.Ensure wire is clean and dry.
Poor earth contact.Check earth clamp/workpiece
connection.
Duty cycle exceeded (auto
cut-out operates).
Allow welder to cool 15-30 mins
before continuing.
Note: If duty cycle is continually
exceeded, damage to the
welder may result and welder
output is probably too small for
application.
If you have any problems which cannot be resolved by reference to the
above, or if you require spare parts for your welder please contact your local
Clarke dealer.