HW-18 with 60° hard body, 12-1/2-ft. cable and hose ................... Part No. 948361
HW-18 with 60° hard body, 25-ft. cable and hose ......................... Part No. 948362
HW-18R with 60° rubber body, 12-1/2-ft. cable and hose .......... Part No. 948361R
HW-18R with 60° rubber body, 25-ft. cable and hose ................ Part No. 948362R
F-9886-R
September, 1997
HW-18 & HW-18R
TIG WELDING TORCHES
These INSTRUCTIONS are for experienced operators. If you are not fully familiar with the principles of
operation and safe practices for arc equipment, we urge you to read our booklet, Precautions and Safe
Practices for Arc Welding, Cutting and Gouging, Form 52-529. Do not permit untrained persons to install,
operate, or maintain this equipment. Do not attempt to install or operate this equipment until you have
read and fully understand these instructions. If you do not fully understand these instructions, contact
your supplier for further information. Be sure to read the Safety Precautions on pages 3 and 4 before
installing or operating this equipment.
RATING: With standard collet bodies: 300 amps. (ACHF
or DCSP) continuous duty. Using HW-18 (with 12-1/2ft., 3.8 m, cable) with gas lens collet bodies: 375 amps.
(ACHF or DCSP) continuous duty.
COOLING: Closed-loop water cooling system, no joints
within torch body to leak.
ELECTRODES: Uses .020-in. through 5/32-in. diameter
electrodes, 3-in., or 7-in. long. Standard torch cap is designed for 7-in. electrodes. Short cap for 3-in. electrodes
is available as option. See Table 1 for electrode diameter vs. current recommendations.
COLLETS: Available for six electrode sizes. See Table
2.
COLLET BODIES: Sizes to match collets; two styles,
standard and gas lens, in each size. Large diameter gas
lens available for 3/32-, 1/8-, 5/32-in. electrodes. See
Table 2.
CUPS: For use with standard collet bodies: standard
ceramic in all sizes long ceramic in sizes 4 through 7.
High impact ceramic, either plain or sleeved. For use
with gas lens collet bodies: standard ceramic or highimpact ceramic. See Table 3.
with short cap .......................... 3-3/16-in. (81 mm)
with long cap ......................... 7-1/16-in. (189 mm)
Be sure this information reaches the operator.
You can get extra copies through your supplier.
Page 2
USER RESPONSIBILITY
This equipment will perform in conformity with the description contained in this manual and accompanying
labels and/or inserts when installed, operated, maintained, and repaired in accordance with the instructions provided.
This equipment must be checked periodically. Malfunctioning or poorly maintained equipment should not be used.
Parts that are broken, missing, worn, distorted, or contaminated should be replaced immediately. Should such repair
or replacement become necessary, the manufacturer recommends that you contact the Authorized Distributor from
whom the equipment was purchased.
Neither this equipment nor any of its parts should be altered without the prior written approval of the manufacturer. The user of this equipment shall have the sole responsibility for any malfunction which results from improper
use, faulty maintenance, damage, improper repair, or alteration by anyone other than the manufacturer or a service
facility designated by the manufacturer.
2
Page 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
WARNING: These Safety Precautions are for
your protection. They summarize precautionary information from the references listed in
Additional Safety Information section. Before
performing any installation or operating procedures, be
sure to read and follow the safety precautions listed below
as well as all other manuals, material safety data sheets,
labels, etc. Failure to observe Safety Precautions can result
in injury or death.
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS
Some welding, cutting, and gouging
processes are noisy and require ear
protection. The arc, like the sun, emits
ultraviolet (UV) and other radiation and
can injure skin and eyes. Hot metal can cause burns.
Training in the proper use of the processes and equipment is essential to prevent accidents. Therefore:
1. Always wear safety glasses with side shields in any work
area, even if welding helmets, face shields, and goggles
are also required.
2. Use a face shield fitted with the correct filter and cover
plates to protect your eyes, face, neck, and ears from
sparks and rays of the arc when operating or observing
operations. Warn bystanders not to watch the arc and
not to expose themselves to the rays of the electric-arc
or hot metal.
3. Wear flameproof gauntlet type gloves, heavy long-sleeve
shirt, cuffless trousers, high-topped shoes, and a welding helmet or cap for hair protection, to protect against
arc rays and hot sparks or hot metal. A flameproof apron
may also be desirable as protection against radiated
heat and sparks.
4. Hot sparks or metal can lodge in rolled up sleeves,
trouser cuffs, or pockets. Sleeves and collars should be
kept buttoned, and open pockets eliminated from the
front of clothing
5. Protect other personnel from arc rays and hot sparks
with a suitable non-flammable partition or curtains.
6. Use goggles over safety glasses when chipping slag or
grinding. Chipped slag may be hot and can fly far.
Bystanders should also wear goggles over safety glasses.
FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS -- Heat from
flames and arcs can start fires. Hot slag
or sparks can also cause fires and explosions. Therefore:
1. Remove all combustible materials well away from the
work area or cover the materials with a protective nonflammable covering. Combustible materials include wood,
cloth, sawdust, liquid and gas fuels, solvents, paints and
coatings, paper, etc.
2. Hot sparks or hot metal can fall through cracks or
crevices in floors or wall openings and cause a hidden
smoldering fire or fires on the floor below. Make certain
that such openings are protected from hot sparks and
metal.“
3. Do not weld, cut or perform other hot work until the
workpiece has been completely cleaned so that there
are no substances on the workpiece which might produce flammable or toxic vapors. Do not do hot work on
closed containers. They may explode.
4. Have fire extinguishing equipment handy for instant use,
such as a garden hose, water pail, sand bucket, or
portable fire extinguisher. Be sure you are trained in its
use.
5. Do not use equipment beyond its ratings. For example,
overloaded welding cable can overheat and create a fire
hazard.
6. After completing operations, inspect the work area to
make certain there are no hot sparks or hot metal which
could cause a later fire. Use fire watchers when necessary.
7. For additional information, refer to NFPA Standard 51B,
"Fire Prevention in Use of Cutting and Welding Pro-
--
cesses", available from the National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK -- Contact with live
electrical parts and ground can cause
severe injury or death. DO NOT use AC
welding current in damp areas, if movement is confined, or if there is danger of
falling.
1. Be sure the power source frame (chassis) is connected
to the ground system of the input power.
2. Connect the workpiece to a good electrical ground.
3. Connect the work cable to the workpiece. A poor or
missing connection can expose you or others to a fatal
shock.
4. Use well-maintained equipment. Replace worn or damaged cables.
5. Keep everything dry, including clothing, work area, cables,
torch/electrode holder, and power source.
6. Make sure that all parts of your body are insulated from
work
and from ground.
7. Do not stand directly on metal or the earth while working
in tight quarters or a damp area; stand on dry boards or
an insulating platform and wear rubber-soled shoes.
8. Put on dry, hole-free gloves before turning on the power.
9. Turn off the power before removing your gloves.
10. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (listed on next page)
for specific grounding recommendations. Do not mistake
the work lead for a ground cable.
ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS —
May be dangerous. Electric current flowing through any conductor causes localized Electric and Magnetic Fields
(EMF). Welding and cutting current creates EMF around welding cables and
welding machines. Therefore:
1. Welders having pacemakers should consult their physician before welding. EMF may interfere with some pacemakers.
2. Exposure to EMF may have other health effects which are
unknown.
3. Welders should use the following procedures to minimize
exposure to EMF:
A. Route the electrode and work cables together. Secure
them with tape when possible.
B. Never coil the torch or work cable around your body.
C. Do not place your body between the torch and work
cables. Route cables on the same side of your body.
D. Connect the work cable to the workpiece as close as
possible to the area being welded.
E. Keep welding power source and cables as far away
from your body as possible.
3
10/98
Page 4
FUMES AND GASES -- Fumes and
gases, can cause discomfort or harm,
particularly in confined spaces. Do
not breathe fumes and gases. Shielding gases can cause asphyxiation.
Therefore:
1. Always provide adequate ventilation in the work area by
natural or mechanical means. Do not weld, cut, or gouge
on materials such as galvanized steel, stainless steel,
copper, zinc, lead, beryllium, or cadmium unless positive
mechanical ventilation is provided. Do not breathe fumes
from these materials.
2. Do not operate near degreasing and spraying operations. The heat or arc rays can react with chlorinated
hydrocarbon vapors to form phosgene, a highly toxic
gas, and other irritant gases.
3. If you develop momentary eye, nose, or throat irritation
while operating, this is an indication that ventilation is not
adequate. Stop work and take necessary steps to improve ventilation in the work area. Do not continue to
operate if physical discomfort persists.
4. Refer to ANSI/ASC Standard Z49.1 (see listing below)
for specific ventilation recommendations.
5. WARNING: This product, when used for welding or
cutting, produces fumes or gases which
contain chemicals known to the State of
California to cause birth defects and, in
some cases, cancer. (California Health &
Safety Code §25249.5 et seq.)
CYLINDER HANDLING -- Cylinders, if
mishandled, can rupture and violently
release gas. Sudden rupture of cylinder, valve, or relief device can injure or
kill. Therefore:
1. Use the proper gas for the process and use the proper
pressure reducing regulator designed to operate from
the compressed gas cylinder. Do not use adaptors.
Maintain hoses and fittings in good condition. Follow
manufacturer's operating instructions for mounting regulator to a compressed gas cylinder.
2. Always secure cylinders in an upright position by chain
or strap to suitable hand trucks, undercarriages, benches,
walls, post, or racks. Never secure cylinders to work
tables or fixtures where they may become part of an
electrical circuit.
3. When not in use, keep cylinder valves closed. Have
valve protection cap in place if regulator is not connected. Secure and move cylinders by using suitable
hand trucks. Avoid rough handling of cylinders.
4. Locate cylinders away from heat, sparks, and flames.
Never strike an arc on a cylinder.
5. For additional information, refer to CGA Standard P-1,
"Precautions for Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in
Cylinders", which is available from Compressed Gas
Association, 1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington,
VA 22202.
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE -- Faulty or
improperly maintained equipment can
cause injury or death. Therefore:
1. Always have qualified personnel perform the installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance work. Do not
perform any electrical work unless you are qualified to
perform such work.
2. Before performing any maintenance work inside a power
source, disconnect the power source from the incoming
electrical power.
3. Maintain cables, grounding wire, connections, power
cord, and power supply in safe working order. Do not
operate any equipment in faulty condition.
4. Do not abuse any equipment or accessories. Keep
equipment away from heat sources such as furnaces,
wet conditions such as water puddles, oil or grease,
corrosive atmospheres and inclement weather.
5. Keep all safety devices and cabinet covers in position
and in good repair.
6. Use equipment only for its intended purpose. Do not
modify it in any manner.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INFORMATION -- For
more information on safe practices for electric arc welding and cutting equipment, ask
your supplier for a copy of "Precautions and
Safe Practices for Arc Welding, Cutting and
Gouging", Form 52-529.
The following publications, which are available from the
American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJuene Road, Miami, FL 33126, are recommended to you:
1. ANSI/ASC Z49.1 - "Safety in Welding and Cutting"
2. AWS C5.1 - "Recommended Practices for Plasma Arc
Welding"
3. AWS C5.2 - "Recommended Practices for Plasma Arc
Cutting"
4. AWS C5.3 - "Recommended Practices for Air Carbon
Arc Gouging and Cutting"
5. AWS C5.5 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Tungsten
Arc Welding“
6. AWS C5.6 - "Recommended Practices for Gas Metal Arc
Welding"“
8. ANSI/AWS F4.1, "Recommended Safe Practices for
Welding and Cutting of Containers That Have Held
Hazardous Substances."
MEANING OF SYMBOLS - As used throughout this manual: Means Attention! Be Alert!
Your safety is involved.
Means immediate hazards which, if
not avoided, will result in immediate,
serious personal injury or loss of life.
Means potential hazards which could
result in personal injury or loss of life.
Means hazards which could result in
minor personal injury.
4
SP98-10
Page 5
REQUIRED ACCESSORIES OR SERVICES:
1. Collet, Collet Body, Electrode, Cup - See Tables
1, 2 and 3.
2. Fuse Assembly, P/N 45V34, or Power Cable Adaptor, P/N 45V11 - For connecting torch power cable
to power source.
NOTE: The fuse assembly contains a standard fuse link
(54N26) which is rated for welding currents up
to 250 amps. If intending to use welding currents greater than 250 amps, replace fuse link
with heavy-duty fuse link (54N30 supplied in
a package of 5), instructions for replacement
(Form 11-103) are packed with the fuse assembly.
3. Water Hose, P/N 40V76 - 12-1/2-ft., recommended
for connecting fuse assembly or adaptor to drain.
4. Shielding gas regulator-flowmeter - R-502 (P/N
998846) or R-5007 (P/N 998124) if cylinder gas is
used or L-32 flowmeter (P/N 639751) if shielding
gas is piped.
5. Adequate Water Supply - For adequate torch cooling at maximum rating, a water flow of one quart/
min. (0.95 L/min) with inlet temperature 60° F (15°
C) or less, is needed. To secure this flow, pressure
of the water supply must be at least 25 psi (1.7 bars)
if torch has 12-1/2-ft. (3.8 m) cable and hose, 36 psi
(2.4 bars) if torch has 25-ft. (7.6 m) cable and hose.
(If flow switch is used in system, 5 psi (.35 bars)
more pressure upstream of switch is needed.) Pressure should not exceed 50 psi (3.4 bars) at inlet of
the torch hose to prevent damaging the plastic hose.
6. Welding power and shielding gas supplies.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
1. Short Cap, P/N 57Y04 - for use with 3-in. (76 mm)
electrodes.
2. V-30 Double Shut-Off Valve, P/N 16X21 - Shuts
off both water and gas flow when torch is hung on
valve arm.
3. Flow Switch (Torch Saver), P/N 40V50. Watermetering switch which can be connected to the
welding contactor coil to cut off welding power if flow
rate drops below 0.2 gal./min. (0.75 L/min.). Recommended for use when water pressure may fluctuate severely. Use in conjunction with, or instead
of, fuse. (See Figure 1.)
4. Braided Nylon Sheath, P/N 2075199 (9-ft. long);
P/N 2075201 (20-ft. long) To protect service lines
from abrasive wear.
5. Service Line Extensions:
Water Hose (12-1/2-ft.), P/N 40V76
Water Hose Coupling, P/N 11N18
Gas Hose (12-1/2-ft.), P/N 40V77
Gas Hose Coupling, P/N 11N17
*Power Cable (12-1/2-ft.), P/N 40V78
Power Cable Coupling, P/N 11N19
Power Cable Insulator Sleeve, P/N 10N27
*Power cable extensions reduces torch rating to 250
amps.
6. Tig Accessory Kit, P/N 999126 - includes three
collets, three collet bodies, and three 7-in. 2%
thoriated electrodes, each in 1/16-in., 3/32-in., and
1/8-in. sizes, three high impact cups. Nos. 5, 6 and
7, and one short torch cap.
HW-18 TORCH
WELDING CABLE TO
POWER SOURCE
FUSE ASSEM. - 45V34
POWER CABLE
ADAPTOR - 45V11
(7/8"- 14L.H. TO
5/8"-18L.H.)
V-30 VALVE - 16X21
(2) ARGON CONN.-74S76
(2) WATER CONN.-11N16
V-30
WATER COUPLING-
11N18 (5/8"-18L.H.)
DRAIN
FLOW SWITCH-40V50
40V76 (12-1/2-FT)
INCLUDES
ARGON COUPLING-11N17
(5/8"-18)
WATER HOSE
ARGON HOSE
40V77 (12-1/2 FT.)
ARGON REGULATOR
WITH FLOWMETER
ADAPTOR - 11N16
(5/8"-18L.H. TO 1/4" N.P.T.)
WATER SUPPLY LINE
Fig. 1 - Argon and Water Hose Connections for the HW-18 Torch
5
ARGON
CYLINDER
STRAINER
96W69
Page 6
Table 1
Electrode and Cup Sizes for Different Welding Currents
* Collet Body insulator, P/N 54N01, is required when using gas lens collet bodies.
** Collet body insulator, P/N 54N63, is required when using large diameter gas lens collet bodies.
Use of a gas lens collet body is recommended for this size.
Table 3 - Gas Cups
Cup No.45678 1012Short*
High-Impact Cup10N5010N4910N4810N4710N4610N4510N44
Sleeved High-Impact Cup10N5610N5510N5410N5310N5210N51
Ceramic Cup105Z43105Z42105Z44105Z4508N7808N7908N80
Long Ceramic Cup12N03105Z6012N02105Z61
Gas Lens High-Impact Cup54N1854N1754N1654N1554N1454N19
Large Dia. Gas Lens High-Impact Cup53N8853N87 53N89
Gas Lens Ceramic Cup54N3554N3454N3354N3254N3154N36
* Short cups serve essentially as insulators. The short cup cannot be used with high-frequency or with currents greater
than 300 amperes.
6
Page 7
TORCH CAP
"O" RING
ELECTRODE
ELECTRODE COLLET
GAS LENS
INSULATOR
GAS LENS
COLLET BODY
GAS LENS
CUP
Fig. 2 - Exploded View of HW-18 Torch
TORCH BODY
COLLET BODY
CUP
SET-UP AND INSTALLATION
(See Figure 1)
1. Set up the torch and accessories, following Figure
1 and 2 observing all instructions supplied with regulator/flowmeter, fuse, flow switch, and shut-off valve.
(In the simplest installation, the torch gas hose is
attached directly to the flowmeter outlet, and the
water hose is attached to a water line, utilizing adaptor 11N16 supplied with torch.)
2. Connect the fuse assembly or power cable adaptor
to the welding power source, either directly or
through available length of welding cable fitted with
lugs. Run a hose from the fuse or adaptor to a water drain.
3. Install collet body, collet, electrode, and cup on torch.
(See Figure 2). Sequence of operations:
a. Screw in collet body. (If using gas-lens, as-
semble insulator on collet body before installing.)
b. Apply a thin coat of silicone grease to the sur-
face of the cup that mates with the torch body
and screw on the cup.
c. Remove torch cap.
d. Slide collet into position (tapered end first).
e. Slip electrode down through hole in top of collet,
until end of electrode extends beyond rim of cup.
(Exact extension is variable; from as little as
1/8-in. for butt-welding with standard collet bodies to 3/4-in. for corner or fillet welds with gas
lens collet bodies and cups.)
NOTE: When using high frequency with the sleeved
high-impact cup, arcing may sometimes occur
between the electrode and the steel sleeve. To
avoid this, it is advantageous to extend the electrode as far as possible consistent with the particular operation.
f.Screw on torch cap and tighten. The cup will
press down on the collet to grip the electrode
securely. (To readjust electrode, loosen torch
cap.)
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make sure that all argon and water connections in
the system have been securely tightened, and that
the torch cap has been well-tightened.
2. Turn on the water. (See Page 5 for pressure and
flow requirements.)
3. With the regulator flow-adjusting valve closed, open
the shielding gas cylinder or station valve.
4. Set the power source for the desired welding current.
5. Open all shielding gas valves downstream from flowmeter or flowmeter/regulator, (valve on torch, lever
operated shut-off valve, or solenoid-operated valve
in power source).
NOTE: Purge the gas hose by allowing the gas to flow-
long enough (up to 15 minutes on new torch;
less than 5 minutes thereafter) to drive out air
and moisture. This will help prevent weld contamination.
Close control switch at work position or at power source.
Draw a test arc on a heavy piece of scrap steel or copper. (Do not use a carbon block, which will tend to contaminate the electrode.) If the test arc is satisfactory,
commence welding.
OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE HINTS
If this equipment does not operate properly, stop
work immediately and investigate the cause of the
malfunction. Maintenance work must be performed
by an experienced person, and electrical work by a
trained electrician. Do not permit untrained persons
to inspect, clean, or repair this equipment. Use only
recommended replacement parts.
1. A poor shielding gas connection, or a leaky hose,
will not only waste gas but permit the entry of minute
amounts of air, sufficient to contaminate both the
electrode and the weld. Trouble signs: a bluish coat
on the electrode after it has cooled, in welding alu-
7
Page 8
minum, a dark gray deposit on or beside the weld
bead.
2. Keep the torch hose away from hot metal. The plastic hose begins to lose strength at 125° F (52° C).
3. Do not try to repair a damaged power cable or gas
or water hose. Replace it as directed below.
4. If the torch water passages become clogged, they
can sometimes be cleared by reversing the direction of water flow (that is, sending water in through
the power cable, out through the water hose). However, never weld with the flow reversed. A strainer
in the water inlet line (such as P/N 96W69) is good
insurance against clogging.
5. If an electrode becomes contaminated, shut off
power, then remove electrode from torch. Break off
the contaminated end (nicking with a grinding wheel
first will help) and replace electrode.
6. Keep an eye on the sealing Oring on the torch cap.
If it shows signs of wear or distortion, cut it off. Then
install a new ring (98W18). Apply a little silicone
grease to the new ring before attempting to slide it
over the cap threads.
REPLACING GAS OR WATER HOSE
1. Unscrew the torch handle and slide it back over the
service lines to expose the hose clamp (see Fig. 5).
2. Clip off the hose clamp (98W43) and remove the
hose.
3. Clean off the barbed fitting, and then brush on some
3M type 1711 adhesive onto the fitting.
4. Slide the new hose clamp over the new hose.
5. Place the end of the hose in hot water for a short
time, and then slide the new hose all the way over
the fitting, so it completely covers the ridges.
6. Orient the hose clamp so the tabs will not interfere
with the handle, and position the clamp so it is over
the ridges on the fitting.
7. Crimp both tabs using a crimping tool or pliers (see
Fig. 3).
REPLACEMENT OF GAS LENS SCREENS IN 45V63,
995795, AND 45V64 (See Figure 4)
Large diameter gas lens collet bodies contain replaceable screens. If plugged by spatter, replace as follows:
1. With the collet body removed from the torch, remove
the outer snap ring, P/N 54N71. This can be done
by using a small screwdriver, or an electrode with a
diameter no greater than 3/32-in. Insert the tip in
the slot on the outer sleeve of the collet body, and
pry out the snap ring.
2. Using a pair of needle nose pliers, pry out the inner
snap ring, P/N 54N69.
3. Hold the collet body with the screens down, and gently tap the body on the work bench. The body contains three fine and one coarse screens, separated
by spacers. If the screens are not badly fouled, they
should drop out of the body. Excessive fouling may
necessitate prying out the screens.
4. Inspect the screens and replace those which show
plugging, or other damage.
5. Replace the screens and spacers making sure that
a spacer is installed between each screen, and that
the coarsest screen is inserted last. Replace the
snap rings.
Fig. 3 - Crimping a Hose Clamp
SCREEN (250 mesh)
SCREEN (100 mesh)
54N67
INNER SPACER
54N68
INNER SNAP RING
54N69
OUTER SNAP RING
54N71
Fig. 4 - Replaceable Parts in Collet Bodies 45V63,