Oxford MIGMAKER, MIGMAKER 200-1, MIGMAKER 180-1, MIGMAKER 240-1, MIGMAKER 270-1 Instruction Manual

Oxford

MIGMAKER range of MIG welding machines

Instruction manual

Read this before installing or using machine

Thank you for purchasing this British made Oxford welding machine.
With a history dating back over 50 years Oxford welding machines are internationally
renowned as one of the best in the industry. You should find this machine to be a solid
reliable machine capable of many years service.

Safety

Before using make sure all operators are familiar with the welding process and have had
appropriate training relating to all the risks involved.
Risk of burns & eye damage.
Risk from inhalation of welding fumes.
Risk of bodily crush damage in wire drive system.
The Health and Safety Executive publish documents regarding this such as ISBN 0 7176
0704 6 (Electrical safety in arc welding), and many others.
When welding or cutting in an environment with increased risk of electric shock extra
precautions must be observed. Typical conditions with increased risk of electric shock are
working in wet or damp conditions, working inside vessels, working in cramped conditions and
exposed to conductive parts, etc. DO NOT TAKE ANY RISKS
This machine is designed for use indoors and must not be used in the rain or a wet
environment.

Declaration of conformity

Oxford MIGMAKER range 180-1- 330-3 MIG welding machines
This equipment is manufactured to comply with 93/68/EEC, BS EN 60974-1
This equipment is manufactured to comply with 89/336/EEC, BS EN 50199
This equipment is manufactured to comply with EU RoSH regulations
This equipment is CE marked
WEEE registration WEE/HD0071UZ
Dated 03-08-2009 R. P Rycroft

Technical Specifications

Pre installation & EMC information

The installer of this equipment must make an assessment of the area before installing.
It is the users responsibility to ensure that if any electromagnetic disturbances are detected to
resolve this before continuing.
As with other welding machines it is preferable to use this machine as far away as possible
from sensitive electrical or electronic equipment such as computers, telecom equipment,
safety critical equipment, transmitters and receiving equipment etc.
There is a risk to sensitive equipment from radiated or conducted emissions from this
machine.
This machine is designed for use in industrial premises, when used in other environments
there could be potential difficulties with electromagnetic interference with other equipment.
Consideration must be also given to other premises as the emissions may not be limited to
the installed premises.
The following are methods to reduce emissions.

1) Keep all welding cables short close together and at ground level.

2) Equipotential bonding of metal components in the work area and bonding of the work
piece can be considered however there are electrical safety implications for the
operator with increased risk of shock if the electrode is touched; therefore it is
important the operator is aware and adequately protected from making contact with
the work and the electrode. Before bonding the area and work piece consult an

experienced electrician.

3) This equipment must be properly maintained and all screws holding the sides etc kept
in place.

4) Sometimes it may be necessary to fit additional mains input filters or even screen the
cables and / or work area. This will involve consulting an experienced engineer.

Electrical Installation

This machine must be connected to the electricity supply by a competent person
Do not connect this machine to any voltage other than that marked on the rear of the
machine which is single phase 230V or 3 phase 400V
230V single phase models Make sure your supply voltage matches the voltage model of the

Machine. Ensure the green/yellow wire is connected to the earth terminal in the mains plug
the other two wires are normally blue and brown wires which must be connected to the
appropriate voltage, the blue is neutral and the brown is live, in some instances the colours of

Oxford MIGMAKER single phase models

Model 180-1 200-1 240-1 270-1 330-1
Supply voltage 230V 230V 230V 230V 230V
Welding range (amps) 20-170 20-200 20-240 30-270 30-330
Duty cycle - 35% @ 110 amps 130 amps 180 amps 250 amps 330 amps
Duty cycle - 60% @ 80 amps 100 amps 140 amps 190 amps 250 amps
Voltage steps 6 12 12 16 16
MIG wire range 0.6-0.8mm 0.6-1.0mm 0.6-1.2mm 0.8-1.2mm 0.8-1.2mm
Fuse rating slow blow 13A 13A/16A 16A 20/32A 32A
Size app (ex rear wheels) 350Wx720Lx570H 350Wx720Lx570H 350Wx720Lx580H 350Wx720Lx650H 350Wx720Lx650H
Weight approx 48kg 53kg 60kg 70kg 88kg

Oxford MIGMAKER three phase models

Model 270-3 330-3
Supply voltage 400V 400V
Welding range (amps) 30-270 30-330
Duty cycle - 35% @ 250 amps 330 amps
Duty cycle - 60% @ 190 amps 250 amps
Voltage steps 16 20
MIG wire range 0.6-1.2mm 0.6-1.2mm
Fuse rating slow blow 16A 16A
Size app (ex rear wheels) 350Wx720Lx650H 350Wx720Lx650H
Weight approx 72kg 89kg

the live & Neutral may be both black, in which case it is not important which way around they
are connected but the green/yellow wire must always be connected to the earth terminal in
the plug.
400V three phase models Make sure your supply voltage matches the voltage model of the
Machine. Ensure the green/yellow wire is connected to the earth terminal in the mains plug.
The other three wires are normally coloured or can be all black, these connect to R, S, T or
L1, L2, L3 in the plug in any order. If the plug is a 5 pin type do not connect the N or neutral to
anything.

If in doubt consult a qualified electrician.

Gas

The gas used for MIG welding can vary from 100% to co2 to mixtures of argon and co2, to
pure argon with other special applications gases also available. The choice of gas depends
upon the material being welded.
For mild steel welding pure co2 can be used however it gives a cold and splattery weld and is
not particularly nice to use.
Argon with co2 content between 5% and 20% generally gives the best results, pure argon
results in an arc which is flarey & too hot for mild steel.
For stainless steels and aluminium welding pure argon is normally used, however some
specialist gases such as helium mixtures are available from gas outlets which may sometimes
give benefits, consult your local gas specialist for further information.
The correct gas flow is essential, too little flow can result in a porous weak weld, too much
and the arc can become unstable and harsh.
The gas flow should be set on the regulator or flow meter to suit the welding conditions;
higher welding current needs a higher gas flow, the correct flow rates are between 2-25 litres
per min. Start with a very low flow rate, as a guide you should be able to only just hear the
gas flowing from the nozzle when pulling the torch switch.

Never try to use a gas not intended for MIG welding

MIG wire

The MIG welding wire used is generally selected to be very similar to the material being
welded, for instance to weld stainless steel you would not use a mild steel wire and so on.
The diameter of MIG welding wire should be selected according to the power and thickness of
material being welded. 0.6mm is normally the thinnest size available which would be used for
the very lightest of welding jobs at say between 20 and 60amps for automotive applications.

0.8mm is normally the next size & is suitable for between 20 and 180amps for automotive &
light fabrication or maintenance.

1.0mm wire covers the range from about 80amps to 250amps (repairs + medium fabrication).

1.2mm would be suitable from 250amps to 450amps (heavy fabrication).

1.6mm & 2.4mm are for the very heaviest fabrication applications above 350amps.
The above sizes and current ranges are approximate only, as many other factors need to be
considered such as the gas used, the material being welded etc.

Always keep the MIG wire dry & rust free, do not use if the wire is rusty