Tweco 170HF User Manual
170 HF
®
WELDSKILL
INVERTER
ARC WELDING MACHINE
Operating Manual
Version No: AA Issue Date: April 23, 2008 Manual No.: 0-5070
Operating Features:
170
AMP
DC
H F
240
V
WE APPRECIA TE YOUR BUSINESS!
Congratulations on your new Cigweld product. We are proud to
have you as our customer and will strive to provide you with the
best service and reliability in the industry. This product is backed
by our extensive warranty and world-wide service network. To
locate your nearest distributor or service agency call
+1300 654 674, or visit us on the web at www.cigweld.com.au.
This Operating Manual has been designed to instruct you on the
correct use and operation of your CIGWELD product. Your
satisfaction with this product and its safe operation is our ultimate
concern. Therefore please take the time to read the entire manual,
especially the Safety Precautions. They will help you to avoid
potential hazards that may exist when working with this product.
YOU ARE IN GOOD COMPANY!
The Brand of Choice for Contractors and Fabricators Worldwide.
CIGWELD is the Market Leading Brand of Arc Welding Products
for Thermadyne Industries Inc. We are a mainline supplier to major
welding industry sectors in the Asia Pacific and emerging global
markets including; Manufacturing, Construction, Mining,
Automotive, Engineering, Rural and DIY.
We distinguish ourselves from our competition through marketleading, dependable products that have stood the test of time. We
pride ourselves on technical innovation, competitive prices,
excellent delivery, superior customer service and technical support,
together with excellence in sales and marketing expertise.
Above all, we are committed to develop technologically advanced
products to achieve a safer working environment for industry
operators.
!
WARNINGS
Read and understand this entire Manual and your employer’s safety practices before installing,
operating, or servicing the equipment.
While the information contained in this Manual represents the Manufacturer's best judgement,
the Manufacturer assumes no liability for its use.
Weldskill 170 HF Inverter Arc Welder
Instruction Manual Number 0-5070 for:
Part Number W1003001
Published by:
Thermadyne Industries, Inc.
82 Benning Street
West Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA 03784
(603) 298-5711
www.thermadyne.com
Copyright 2008 by
Thermadyne Industries, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Reproduction of this work, in whole or in part, without written permission of the publisher
is prohibited.
The publisher does not assume and hereby disclaims any liability to any party for any
loss or damage caused by any error or omission in this Manual, whether such error
results from negligence, accident, or any other cause.
Publication Date: April 23, 2008
Record the following information for Warranty purposes:
Where Purchased: ___________________________________
Purchase Date: ___________________________________
Equipment Serial #: ___________________________________
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1:
ARC WELDING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS .................................... 1-1
1.01 Arc Welding Hazards ...................................................................................... 1-1
1.02 PRINCIPAL SAFETY STANDARDS .................................................................. 1-5
1.03 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ................................................................... 1-6
SECTION 2:
INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 2-1
2.01 How To Use This Manual ................................................................................ 2-1
2.02 Equipment Identification ................................................................................. 2-1
2.03 Receipt Of Equipment ..................................................................................... 2-1
2.04 Symbol Chart ................................................................................................. 2-2
2.05 Description ..................................................................................................... 2-3
2.06 User Responsibility ........................................................................................ 2-3
2.07 Packaged Items .............................................................................................. 2-3
2.08 Transporting Methods .................................................................................... 2-3
2.09 Duty Cycle ...................................................................................................... 2-3
2.10 Specifications ................................................................................................. 2-4
SECTION 3:
INSTALLATION ....................................................................................... 3-1
3.01 Environment ................................................................................................... 3-1
3.02 Location ......................................................................................................... 3-1
3.03 Ventilation....................................................................................................... 3-1
3.04 Mains Supply Voltage Requirements .............................................................. 3-1
3.05 High Frequency Introduction .......................................................................... 3-2
3.06 High Frequency Interference .......................................................................... 3-2
3.07 Electromagnetic Compatibility ........................................................................ 3-2
3.06 Setup For Manual Arc Welding ....................................................................... 3-4
3.07 Setup For TIG Welding ................................................................................... 3-5
SECTION 4:
OPERATION........................................................................................... 4-1
4.01 Overview ........................................................................................................ 4-1
4.02 Front Panel ..................................................................................................... 4-1
4.03 Front Panel Functions ..................................................................................... 4-2
4.04 Arc Welding Electrodes .................................................................................. 4-3
4.05 Types of Electrodes ........................................................................................ 4-3
4.06 Electrode Selection Chart ............................................................................... 4-4
4.07 Size of Electrode ............................................................................................. 4-5
4.08 Storage of Electrodes ..................................................................................... 4-5
4.09 Electrode Polarity ........................................................................................... 4-5
4.10 Effects of Arc Welding Various Materials........................................................ 4-5
4.11 Arc Welding Practice ...................................................................................... 4-5
4.12 Welding Position ............................................................................................ 4-6
4.13 Joint Preparations .......................................................................................... 4-7
4.14 Arc Welding Technique ................................................................................... 4-8
4.15 The Welder ..................................................................................................... 4-8
4.16 Striking the Arc ............................................................................................... 4-8
TABLE OF CONTENTS
4.17 Arc Length ...................................................................................................... 4-8
4.18 Rate of Travel ................................................................................................. 4-8
4.19 Making Welded Joints .................................................................................... 4-9
4.20 Distortion ..................................................................................................... 4-11
4.21 The Cause of Distortion ................................................................................ 4-11
4.22 Overcoming Distortion Effects ...................................................................... 4-11
4.23 TIG Welding Filler Rods ................................................................................ 4-13
SECTION 5:
SERVICE .............................................................................................. 5-1
5.01 Routine Maintenance & Inspection ................................................................. 5-1
5.02 Cleaning the Welding Power Source ............................................................... 5-1
5.03 Face Shield Maintenance ................................................................................ 5-1
5.04 Basic Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 5-1
5.05 Welding Problems .......................................................................................... 5-2
5.06 Welding Power Source Problems ................................................................... 5-5
CIGWELD LIMITED WARRANTY
Terms of Warranty – 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
Warranty Schedule – 2007
GLOBAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION .......................... Inside Rear Cover
THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
!
SECTION 1:
ARC WELDING SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS AND WARNINGS
WARNING
PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS FROM POSSIBLE SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. KEEP CHILDREN AWAY.
PACEMAKER WEARERS KEEP AWAY UNTIL CONSULTING YOUR DOCTOR. DO NOT LOSE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS. READ OPERATING/INSTRUCTION MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING, OPERATING OR
SERVICING THIS EQUIPMENT.
Welding products and welding processes can cause serious injury or death, or damage to other equipment or
property, if the operator does not strictly observe all safety rules and take precautionary actions.
Safe practices have developed from past experience in the use of welding and cutting. These practices must
be learned through study and training before using this equipment. Some of these practices apply to equipment
connected to power lines; other practices apply to engine driven equipment. Anyone not having extensive
training in welding and cutting practices should not attempt to weld.
Safe practices are outlined in the Australian Standard AS1674.2-2007 entitled: Safety in welding and allied
processes Part 2: Electrical. This publication and other guides to what you should learn before operating this
equipment are listed at the end of these safety precautions. HAVE ALL INSTALLATION, OPERATION,
MAINTENANCE, AND REPAIR WORK PERFORMED ONLY BY QUALIFIED PEOPLE.
1.01 Arc Welding Hazards
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill.
Touching live electrical parts can cause fatal shocks or severe burns. The electrode
and work circuit is electrically live whenever the output is on. The input power circuit and machine internal circuits are also
live when power is on. In semiautomatic
or automatic wire welding, the wire, wire
reel, drive roll housing, and all metal parts
touching the welding wire are electrically
live. Incorrectly installed or improperly
grounded equipment is a hazard.
1. Do not touch live electrical parts.
2. Wear dry, hole-free insulating gloves and body
protection.
3. Insulate yourself from work and ground using dry
insulating mats or covers.
4. Disconnect input power or stop engine before
installing or servicing this equipment. Lock input
power disconnect switch open, or remove line
fuses so power cannot be turned on accidentally.
5. Properly install and ground this equipment
according to its Owner’s Manual and national,
state, and local codes.
6. Turn off all equipment when not in use. Disconnect
power to equipment if it will be left unattended or
out of service.
7. Use fully insulated electrode holders. Never dip
holder in water to cool it or lay it down on the
ground or the work surface. Do not touch holders
connected to two welding machines at the same
time or touch other people with the holder or
electrode.
8. Do not use worn, damaged, undersized, or poorly
spliced cables.
9. Do not wrap cables around your body.
10.Ground the workpiece to a good electrical (earth)
ground.
11.Do not touch electrode while in contact with the
work (ground) circuit.
12.Use only well-maintained equipment. Repair or
replace damaged parts at once.
13.In confined spaces or damp locations, do not use
a welder with AC output unless it is equipped with
a voltage reducer. Use equipment with DC output.
14.Wear a safety harness to prevent falling if working
above floor level.
15.Keep all panels and covers securely in place.
April 23, 2008
1-1
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
2. Wear approved safety glasses. Side shields
recommended.
WARNING
ARC RAYS can burn eyes and skin; NOISE
can damage hearing.
Arc rays from the welding process produce
intense heat and strong ultraviolet rays that
can burn eyes and skin. Noise from some
processes can damage hearing.
1. Wear a welding helmet fitted with a proper shade of
filter (see ANSI Z49.1 listed in Safety Standards) to
protect your face and eyes when welding or
watching.
Recommended Protective Filters for Electric Welding
Approximate Range of
Welding Current in Amps
Less than or equal to 100 8
Greater than 400 13
Less than or equal to 150 10
Greater than 400 14
Less than or equal to 250 12 Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
Less than or equal to 100 10
Greater than 350 14
Less than or equal to 300 11
Greater than 500 14
Less than or equal to 20 8
1-2
Description of Process
Manual Metal Arc Welding -
covered electrodes (MMAW)
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GWAW)
(MIG) other than Aluminium and
Stainless Steel
(MIG) Aluminium and Stainless
Steel
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
(GTAW) (TIG)
Flux-cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
-with or without shielding gas.
Air ? Arc Gouging Less than or equal to 400 12
Plasma-Arc Cutting
Plasma-Arc Spraying — 15
Plasma-Arc Welding
Submerged-Arc Welding
Resistance Welding
Refer to standard AS/NZS 1338.1:1992 for comprehensive information regarding the above table.
3. Use protective screens or barriers to protect others
from flash and glare; warn others not to watch
the arc.
4. Wear protective clothing made from durable,
flame-resistant material (wool and leather) and
foot protection.
5. Use approved ear plugs or ear muffs if noise level
is high.
Minimum Shade Number of
Filter(s)
100 to 200 10
200 to 300 11
300 to 400 12
150 to 250 11
250 to 300 12
300 to 400 13
250 to 350 13
100 to 200 11
200 to 250 12
250 to 350 13
300 to 400 12
400 to 500 13
50 to 100 10
100 to 400 12
400 to 800 14
20 to 100 10
100 to 400 12
400 to 800 14
—
—
Safety Spectacles or eye
2(5)
shield
April 23, 2008
WARNING
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
3. Remove all flammables within 35 ft (10.7 m) of
the welding arc. If this is not possible, tightly cover
them with approved covers.
FUMES AND GASES can be hazardous to
your health.
Welding produces fumes and gases.
Breathing these fumes and gases can be
hazardous to your health.
1. Keep your head out of the fumes. Do not breath
the fumes.
2. If inside, ventilate the area and/or use exhaust at
the arc to remove welding fumes and gases.
3. If ventilation is poor, use an approved air-supplied
respirator.
4. Read the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs)
and the manufacturer’s instruction for metals,
consumables, coatings, and cleaners.
5. Work in a confined space only if it is well ventilated,
or while wearing an air-supplied respirator.
Shielding gases used for welding can displace air
causing injury or death. Be sure the breathing air
is safe.
6. Do not weld in locations near degreasing, cleaning,
or spraying operations. The heat and rays of the
arc can react with vapors to form highly toxic and
irritating gases.
4. Be alert that welding sparks and hot materials from
welding can easily go through small cracks and
openings to adjacent areas.
5. Watch for fire, and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
6. Be aware that welding on a ceiling, floor, bulkhead,
or partition can cause fire on the hidden side.
7. Do not weld on closed containers such as tanks
or drums.
8. Connect work cable to the work as close to the
welding area as practical to prevent welding
current from traveling long, possibly unknown
paths and causing electric shock and fire hazards.
9. Do not use welder to thaw frozen pipes.
10.Remove stick electrode from holder or cut off
welding wire at contact tip when not in use.
WARNING
FLYING SPARKS AND HOT METAL can
cause injury.
Chipping and grinding cause flying metal.
As welds cool, they can throw off slag.
7. Do not weld on coated metals, such as galvanized,
lead, or cadmium plated steel, unless the coating
is removed from the weld area, the area is well
ventilated, and if necessary, while wearing an airsupplied respirator. The coatings and any metals
containing these elements can give off toxic fumes
if welded.
WARNING
WELDING can cause fire or explosion.
Sparks and spatter fly off from the welding
arc. The flying sparks and hot metal, weld
spatter, hot workpiece, and hot equipment
can cause fires and burns. Accidental
contact of electrode or welding wire to
metal objects can cause sparks,
overheating, or fire.
1. Protect yourself and others from flying sparks and
hot metal.
2. Do not weld where flying sparks can strike
flammable material.
1. Wear approved face shield or safety goggles. Side
shields recommended.
2. Wear proper body protection to protect skin.
WARNING
CYLINDERS can explode if damaged.
Shielding gas cylinders contain gas under
high pressure. If damaged, a cylinder can
explode. Since gas cylinders are normally
part of the welding process, be sure to
treat them carefully.
1. Protect compressed gas cylinders from excessive
heat, mechanical shocks, and arcs.
2. Install and secure cylinders in an upright position
by chaining them to a stationary support or
equipment cylinder rack to prevent falling or
tipping.
3. Keep cylinders away from any welding or other
electrical circuits.
April 23, 2008
1-3
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
4. Never allow a welding electrode to touch any
cylinder.
WARNING
5. Use only correct shielding gas cylinders,
regulators, hoses, and fittings designed for the
specific application; maintain them and associated
parts in good condition.
6. Turn face away from valve outlet when opening
cylinder valve.
7. Keep protective cap in place over valve except
when cylinder is in use or connected for use.
8. Read and follow instructions on compressed gas
cylinders, associated equipment, and CGA
publication P-1 listed in Safety Standards.
WARNING
Engines can be dangerous.
WARNING
MOVING PARTS can cause injury.
Moving parts, such as fans, rotors, and belts can cut
fingers and hands and catch loose clothing.
1. Keep all doors, panels, covers, and guards
closed and securely in place.
2. Stop engine before installing or connecting
unit.
3. Have only qualified people remove guards or
covers for maintenance and troubleshooting
as necessary.
4. To prevent accidental starting during
servicing, disconnect negative (-) battery
cable from battery.
5. Keep hands, hair, loose clothing, and tools
away from moving parts.
6. Reinstall panels or guards and close doors
when servicing is finished and before starting
engine.
ENGINE EXHAUST GASES can kill.
Engines produce harmful exhaust gases.
1. Use equipment outside in open, well-ventilated
areas.
2. If used in a closed area, vent engine exhaust
outside and away from any building air intakes.
WARNING
ENGINE FUEL can cause fire or explosion.
Engine fuel is highly flammable.
1. Stop engine before checking or adding fuel.
2. Do not add fuel while smoking or if unit is near
any sparks or open flames.
3. Allow engine to cool before fueling. If possible,
check and add fuel to cold engine before beginning
job.
WARNING
SPARKS can cause BATTERY GASES TO
EXPLODE; BATTERY ACID can burn eyes
and skin.
Batteries contain acid and generate explosive gases.
1. Always wear a face shield when working on a
battery.
2. Stop engine before disconnecting or connecting
battery cables.
3. Do not allow tools to cause sparks when working
on a battery.
4. Do not use welder to charge batteries or jump start
vehicles.
5. Observe correct polarity (+ and –) on batteries.
4. Do not overfill tank — allow room for fuel to
expand.
5. Do not spill fuel. If fuel is spilled, clean up before
starting engine.
1-4
April 23, 2008
WARNING
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
To reduce magnetic fields in the workplace, use the
following procedures.
1. Keep cables close together by twisting or
taping them.
STEAM AND PRESSURIZED HOT
COOLANT can burn face, eyes, and skin.
The coolant in the radiator can be very hot
and under pressure.
1. Do not remove radiator cap when engine is hot.
Allow engine to cool.
2. Wear gloves and put a rag over cap area when
removing cap.
3. Allow pressure to escape before completely
removing cap.
WARNING
This product, when used for welding or
cutting, produces fumes or gases which
contain chemicals know to the State of
California to cause birth defects and, in
some cases, cancer. (California Health &
Safety code Sec. 25249.5 et seq.)
NOTE
Considerations About Welding And The
Effects of Low Frequency Electric and
Magnetic Fields
The following is a quotation from the General
Conclusions Section of the U.S. Congress, Office of
Technology Assessment, Biological Effects of Power
Frequency Electric & Magnetic Fields - Background
Paper, OTA-BP-E-63 (Washington, DC: U.S.
Government Printing Office, May 1989): “...there is
now a very large volume of scientific findings based
on experiments at the cellular level and from studies
with animals and people which clearly establish that
low frequency magnetic fields and interact with, and
produce changes in, biological systems. While most
of this work is of very high quality, the results are
complex. Current scientific understanding does not
yet allow us to interpret the evidence in a single
coherent framework. Even more frustrating, it does
not yet allow us to draw definite conclusions about
questions of possible risk or to offer clear sciencebased advice on strategies to minimize or avoid
potential risks.”
2. Arrange cables to one side and away from the
operator.
3. Do not coil or drape cable around the body.
4. Keep welding power source and cables as far
away from body as practical.
ABOUT PACEMAKERS:
The above procedures are among those
also normally recommended for
pacemaker wearers. Consult your doctor
for complete information.
1.02 PRINCIPAL SAFETY STANDARDS
Safety in Welding and Cutting, ANSI Standard Z49.1,
from American Welding Society, 550 N.W. LeJeune
Rd., Miami, FL 33126.
Safety and Health Standards, OSHA 29 CFR 1910,
from Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
Recommended Safe Practices for the Preparation for
Welding and Cutting of Containers That Have Held
Hazardous Substances, American Welding Society
Standard AWS F4.1, from American Welding Society,
550 N.W. LeJeune Rd., Miami, FL 33126.
National Electrical Code, NFPA Standard 70, from
National Fire Protection Association, Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Cylinders, CGA
Pamphlet P-1, from Compressed Gas Association,
1235 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 501, Arlington,
VA 22202.
Code for Safety in Welding and Cutting, CSA Standard
W117.2, from Canadian Standards Association,
Standards Sales, 178 Rexdale Boulevard, Rexdale,
Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3.
Safe Practices for Occupation and Educational Eye
and Face Protection, ANSI Standard Z87.1, from
American National Standards Institute, 1430
Broadway, New York, NY 10018.
Cutting and Welding Processes, NFPA Standard 51B,
from National Fire Protection Association,
Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
April 23, 2008
Safety in welding and allied processes Part 2:
Electrical, AS1674.2-2007 from SAI Global Limited,
www.saiglobal.com
1-5
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
1.03 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Manufacturer: CIGWELD
Address: 71 Gower St, Preston
Victoria 3072
Australia
Description of equipment: Welding Equipment (MMAW, GTAW) including, but not limited to CIGWELD Weldskill
170 HF and associated accessories.
Serial numbers are unique with each individual piece of equipment and details description, parts
used to manufacture a unit and date of manufacture.
The equipment conforms to all applicable aspects and regulations of the ‘Low Voltage Directive’ (Directive
73/23/EU, as recently changed in Directive 93/68/EU and to the National legislation for the enforcement of the
Directive.
National Standard and Technical Specifications
The product is designed and manufactured to a number of standards and technical requirements among them
are:
• AS/NZS CISPR 11:2004 applicable to Industrial Equipment
• EN60974-1 applicable to welding equipment and associated accessories.
• AS60974.1 applicable to welding equipment and associated accessories.
Extensive product design verification is conducted at the manufacturing facility as part of the routine design
and manufacturing process, to ensure the product is safe and performs as specified. Rigorous testing is
incorporated into the manufacturing process to ensure the manufactured product meets or exceeds all design
specifications.
CIGWELD has been manufacturing and merchandising an extensive equipment range with superior performance,
ultra safe operation and world class quality for more than 30 years and will continue to achieve excellence.
1-6
April 23, 2008
SECTION 2:
!
INTRODUCTION
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
2.01 How To Use This Manual
This Owner’s Manual applies to just specification or
part numbers listed on page i.
To ensure safe operation, read the entire manual,
including the chapter on safety instructions and
warnings.
Throughout this manual, the words WARNING,
CAUTION, and NOTE may appear. Pay particular
attention to the information provided under these
headings. These special annotations are easily
recognized as follows:
WARNING
A WARNING gives information regarding
possible personal injury.
CAUTION
A CAUTION refers to possible equipment
damage.
NOTE
A NOTE offers helpful information
concerning certain operating procedures.
2.02 Equipment Identification
The unit’s identification number (specification or part
number), model, and serial number usually appear
on a nameplate attached to the control panel. In some
cases, the nameplate may be attached to the rear
panel. Equipment which does not have a control panel
such as gun and cable assemblies is identified only
by the specification or part number printed on the
shipping container. Record these numbers on the
bottom of page i for future reference.
2.03 Receipt Of Equipment
When you receive the equipment, check it against
the invoice to make sure it is complete and inspect
the equipment for possible damage due to shipping.
If there is any damage, notify the carrier immediately
to file a claim. Furnish complete information
concerning damage claims or shipping errors to the
location in your area listed in the inside back cover of
this manual.
Include all equipment identification numbers as
described above along with a full description of the
parts in error.
Move the equipment to the installation site before uncrating the unit. Use care to avoid damaging the
equipment when using bars, hammers, etc., to uncrate the unit.
Additional copies of this manual may be purchased
by contacting Cigweld at the address and phone
number for your location listed in the inside back cover
of this manual. Include the Owner’s Manual number
and equipment identification numbers.
Electronic copies of this manual can also be
downloaded at no charge in Acrobat PDF format by
going to the Cigweld web site listed below and clicking
on the Literature Library link:
http://www.cigweld.com.au
April 23, 2008
2-1
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
2.04 Symbol Chart
Note that only some of these symbols will appear on your model.
On
Off
Dangerous Voltage
Increase/Decrease
Circuit Breaker
AC Auxiliary Power
Fuse
Amperage
Voltage
X
%
Single Phase
Three Phase
Three Phase Static
Frequency ConverterTransformer-Rectifier
Remote
Duty Cycle
Percentage
Panel/Local
Shielded Metal
Arc Welding (SMAW)
Gas Metal Arc
Welding (GMAW)
Wire Feed Function
Wire Feed Towards
Workpiece With
Output Voltage Off.
Welding Gun
Purging Of Gas
Continuous Weld
Mode
Spot Weld Mode
Spot Time
t
t2
Preflow Time
Postflow Time
t1
Hertz (cycles/sec)
Frequency
Negative
Positive
Direct Current (DC)
Protective Earth
(Ground)
Line
Line Connection
Auxiliary Power
Gas Tungsten Arc
Welding (GTAW)
Air Carbon Arc
Cutting (CAC-A)
Constant Current
Constant Voltage
Or Constant Potential
High Temperature
Fault Indication
Arc Force
Touch Start (GTAW)
Variable Inductance
2 Step Trigger
Operation
Press to initiate wirefeed and
welding, release to stop.
4 Step Trigger
Operation
Press and hold for preflow, release
to start arc. Press to stop arc, and
hold for preflow.
Burnback Time
t
Disturbance In
Ground System
IPM
MPM
Inches Per Minute
Meters Per Minute
115V 15A
2-2
Receptacle RatingAuxiliary Power
Voltage Input
V
Art # A-04937
April 23, 2008
WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER
!
!
2.05 Description
Weldskill 170 HF
This compact heavy duty, inverter welding machine
has infinitely adjustable welding current from 5 to 170
amps. It runs standard general purpose 2.5mm
electrodes for light gauge work, generally less than
3.0mm thick, and 3.2mm or 4.0mm electrodes for
heavier material. The unit also has a lift TIG and HF
TIG function that offers stable TIG welding
characteristics when used with a suitable TIG torch
and shielding gas.
2.06 User Responsibility
This equipment will perform as per the information
contained herein when installed, operated, maintained
and repaired in accordance with the instructions
provided. This equipment must be checked
periodically. Defective equipment (including welding
leads) should not be used. Parts that are broken,
missing, plainly worn, distorted or contaminated,
should be replaced immediately. Should such repairs
or replacements become necessary, it is
recommended that such repairs be carried out by
appropriately qualified persons approved by
CIGWELD. Advice in this regard can be obtained by
contacting accredited CIGWELD Distributor.
This equipment or any of its parts should not be
altered from standard specification without prior
written approval of CIGWELD. The user of this
equipment shall have the sole responsibility for any
malfunction which results from improper use or
unauthorised modification from standard
specification, faulty maintenance, damage or improper
repair by anyone other than appropriately qualified
persons approved by CIGWELD.
2.07 Packaged Items
• 170 HF Inverter Power Source
• Electrode Holder with 5m Lead
• Work Clamp with 5m Lead
• Regulator/Flowmeter
• Tig Torch
• Tig Torch Accessories
• Plastic Tool Case
• Operating Manual
2.08 Transporting Methods
These units are equipped with a handle for carrying
purposes.
WARNING
ELECTRIC SHOCK can kill. DO NOT TOUCH
live electrical parts. Disconnect input
power conductors from de-energized
supply line before moving the welding
power source.
WARNING
FALLING EQUIPMENT can cause serious
personal injury and equipment damage.
Lift unit with handle on top of case.
Use handcart or similar device of adequate capacity.
If using a fork lift vehicle, place and secure unit on a
proper skid before transporting.
April 23, 2008
2.09 Duty Cycle
The rated duty cycle of a Welding Power Source, is a
statement of the time it may be operated at its rated
welding current output without exceeding the
temperature limits of the insulation of the component
parts. To explain the 10 minute duty cycle period the
following example is used. Suppose a Welding Power
Source is designed to operate at a 15% duty cycle,
90 amperes at 23.6 volts. This means that it has been
designed and built to provide the rated amperage
(90A) for 1.5 minutes, i.e. arc welding time, out of
every 10 minute period (15% of 10 minutes is 1.5
minutes). During the other 8.5 minutes of the 10
minute period the Welding Power Source must idle
and allowed to cool.
2-3
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