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
[phone], 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
[phone]

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

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

2.10 Specifications

Description Weldskill 170 HF Inverter

Power Source Part Number W1003000

Cooling Fan Cooled

Welder Type Inverter Power Source with High Frequency

Welding Power Source Mass 7.5kg

Dimensions L 380mm x W 130 x H 255

Manufactured to Australian Standard AS60974.1-2006

Number of Phases Single Phase

Nominal Supply Voltage 240V ±15%

Nominal Supply Frequency 50Hz

Welding Current Range 5 - 170 Amps

Factory Fitted Supply Plug Rating 15 Amps

Effective Input Current (I1eff) 15 Amps

Maximum Input Current (I1 max) 31 Amps

Single Phase Generator Requirement 10 KVA

Welding Output, 40°C ,10 min.
(quoted figures refer to MMAW
output)

Protection Class IP23S

170A @ 25%, 26.8V

110A @ 60%, 24V

85A@ 100%, 23.4V

NOTE

Due to variations that can occur in manufactured products, claimed performance, voltages, ratings,
all capacities, measurements, dimensions and weights quoted are approximate only. Achievable
capacities and ratings in use and operation will depend upon correct installation, use, applications,
maintenance and service.

2-4

April 23, 2008

SECTION 3:

!

INSTALLATION

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

3.01 Environment

These units are designed for use in environments with
increased hazard of electric shock.

A. Examples of environments with increased hazard
of electric shock are:

1. In locations in which freedom of movement
is restricted, so that the operator is forced to
perform the work in a cramped (kneeling,
sitting or lying) position with physical contact
with conductive parts.

2. In locations which are fully or partially limited
by conductive elements, and in which there
is a high risk of unavoidable or accidental
contact by the operator.

3. In wet or damp hot locations where humidity
or perspiration considerable reduces the skin
resistance of the human body and the
insulation properties of accessories.

B. Environments with increased hazard of electric
shock do not include places where electrically
conductive parts in the near vicinity of the operator,
which can cause increased hazard, have been
insulated.

H. Precautions must be taken against the power

source toppling over. The power source must be
located on a suitable horizontal surface in the
upright position when in use.

3.03 Ventilation

Since the inhalation of welding fumes can be harmful,
ensure that the welding area is effectively ventilated.

3.04 Mains Supply Voltage Requirements

The Mains supply voltage should be within •± 15% of
the rated Mains supply voltage. Too low a voltage may
cause poor welding performance. Too high a supply
voltage will cause components to overheat and
possibly fail.

The Welding Power Source must be:

• Correctly installed, if necessary, by a qualified
electrician.

• Correctly earthed (electrically) in accordance
with local regulations.

• Connected to the correct size power point and
fuse as per the Specifications on page 2-4.

3.02 Location

Be sure to locate the welder according to the following
guidelines:

A. In areas, free from moisture and dust.

B. Ambient temperature between 0° C to 40° C.

C. In areas, free from oil, steam and corrosive gases.

D. In areas, not subjected to abnormal vibration or

shock.

E. In areas, not exposed to direct sunlight or rain.

F. Place at a distance of 300mm or more from walls

or similar that could restrict natural air flow for
cooling.

G. The enclosure design of this power source meets

the requirements of IP23S as outlined in AS

60529. This provides adequate protection against
solid objects (greater than 12mm), and adequate
protection against liquids sprayed directly at 60°.
Under no circumstances should the unit be oper­ated or connected in a micro environment that
will exceed the stated conditions. For further in­formation please refer to AS 60529.

WARNING

Any electrical work must be carried out
by a qualified Electrical Tradesperson.

April 23, 2008

3-1

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

!

!

!

3.05 High Frequency Introduction

The importance of correct installation of high
frequency welding equipment cannot be
overemphasized. Interference due to high frequency
initiated or stabilized arc is almost invariably traced
to improper installation. The following information is
intended as a guide for personnel installing high
frequency welding machines.

WARNING: EXPLOSIVES

The high frequency section of this machine
has an output similar to a radio transmitter.
The machine should NOT be used in the
vicinity of blasting operations due to the
danger of premature firing.

WARNING: COMPUTERS

It is also possible that operation close to
computer installations may cause
computer malfunction.

3.06 High Frequency Interference

Interference may be transmitted by a high frequency
initiated or stabilized arc welding machine in the
following ways:

1. Direct Radiation: Radiation from the machine can

occur if the case is metal and is not properly
grounded. It can occur through apertures such
as open access panels. The shielding of the high
frequency unit in the Power Source will prevent
direct radiation if the equipment is properly
grounded.

2. Transmission via the Supply Lead: Without

adequate shielding and filtering, high frequency
energy may be fed to the wiring within the
installation (mains) by direct coupling. The energy
is then transmitted by both radiation and
conduction. Adequate shielding and filtering is
provided in the Power Source.

3. Radiation from Welding Leads: Radiated

interference from welding leads, although
pronounced in the vicinity of the leads, diminishes
rapidly with distance. Keeping leads as short as
possible will minimize this type of interference.
Looping and suspending of leads should be
avoided where possible.

4. Re-radiation from Unearthed Metallic Objects:

A major factor contributing to interference is re­radiation from unearthed metallic objects close
to the welding leads. Effective grounding of such
objects will prevent re-radiation in most cases.

3.07 Electromagnetic Compatibility

WARNING

Extra precautions for Electromagnetic
Compatibility may be required when this
Welding Power Source is used in a
domestic situation.

A. Installation and Use - Users Responsibility

The user is responsible for installing and using the
welding equipment according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. If electromagnetic disturbances are
detected then it shall be the responsibility of the user
of the welding equipment to resolve the situation with
the technical assistance of the manufacturer. In some
cases this remedial action may be as simple as
earthing the welding circuit, see NOTE below. In other
cases it could involve constructing an electromagnetic
screen enclosing the Welding Power Source and the
work, complete with associated input filters. In all
cases, electromagnetic disturbances shall be reduced
to the point where they are no longer troublesome.

NOTE

The welding circuit may or may nor be
earthed for safety reasons. Changing the
earthing arrangements should only be
authorised by a person who is competent
to assess whether the changes will
increase the risk of injury, e.g. by allowing
parallel welding current return paths which
may damage the earth circuits of other
equipment. Further guidance is given in
IEC 974-13 Arc Welding Equipment ­Installation and use (under preparation).

B. Assessment of Area

Before installing welding equipment, the user shall
make an assessment of potential electromagnetic
problems in the surrounding area. The following shall
be taken into account

1. Other supply cables, control cables, signalling
and telephone cables; above, below and
adjacent to the welding equipment.

2. Radio and television transmitters and
receivers.

3-2

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

3. Computer and other control equipment.

4. Safety critical equipment, e.g. guarding of
industrial equipment.

5. The health of people around, e.g. the use of
pacemakers and hearing aids.

6. Equipment used for calibration and
measurement.

7. The time of day that welding or other activities
are to be carried out.

8. The immunity of other equipment in the
environment: the user shall ensure that other
equipment being used in the environment is
compatible: this may require additional
protection measures.

The size of the surrounding area to be considered
will depend on the structure of the building and other
activities that are taking place. The surrounding area
may extend beyond the boundaries of the premises.

C. Methods of Reducing Electromagnetic Emis-

sions

1. Mains Supply

Welding equipment should be connected to
the mains supply according to the
manufacturer’s recommendations. If
interference occurs, it may be necessary to
take additional precautions such as filtering
of the mains supply. 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
it’s 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.

3. Welding Cables

The welding cables should be kept as short
as possible and should be positioned close
together, running at or close to the floor level.

4. Equipotential Bonding

Bonding of all metallic components in the
welding installation and adjacent to it should
be considered. However. Metallic components
bonded to the work piece will increase the risk
that the operator could receive a shock by
touching the metallic components and the
electrode at the same time. The operator
should be insulated from all such bonded
metallic components.

5. Earthing of the Workpiece

Where the workpiece is not bonded to earth
for electrical safety, nor connected to earth
because of it’s size and position, e.g. ship’s
hull or building steelwork, a connection
bonding the workpiece to earth may reduce
emissions in some, but not all instances. Care
should be taken to prevent the earthing of the
workpiece increasing the risk of injury to
users, or damage to other electrical
equipment. Where necessary, the connection
of the workpiece to earth should be made by
direct connection to the workpiece, but in
some countries where direct connection is not
permitted, the bonding should be achieved by
suitable capacitance, selected according to
national regulations.

6. Screening and Shielding

Selective screening and shielding of other
cables and equipment in the surrounding area
may alleviate problems of interference.
Screening the entire welding installation may
be considered for special applications.

2. Maintenance of Welding Equipment

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
stabilising devices should be adjusted and
maintained according to the manufacturer’s
recommendations.

April 23, 2008

3-3

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

!

3.06 Setup For Manual Arc Welding

WARNING

Before connecting the work clamp to the work and inserting the electrode in the electrode holder
make sure the Mains power supply is switched off.

CAUTION

Remove any packaging material prior to use. Do not block the air vents at the front or rear of the
Welding Power Source.

NEGATIVE
OUTPUT
TERMINAL

240V AC POWER SOURCE

Set Process
Selection Switch to

MANUAL ARC
WELDING mode

WORK CLAMP

POSITIVE
OUTPUT
TERMINAL

ROD

ELECTRODE HOLDER

ARC

WORK

3-4

Art # A-08437_AB

Figure 3-1: Set-up for Arc Welding

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

!

3.07 Setup For TIG Welding

WARNING

Before connecting the work clamp to the work and inserting the electrode in the TIG torch make
sure the Mains power supply is switched off.

CAUTION

Remove any packaging material prior to use. Do not block the air vents at the front or rear of the
Welding Power Source.

Art # A-08438_AB

NEGATIVE
OUTPUT
TERMINAL

Set Process
Selection Switch

to LIFT TIG/HF
TIG mode
as required

POSITIVE
OUTPUT
TERMINAL

April 23, 2008

Figure 3-2: Set-up for TIG Welding

3-5

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK.

3-6

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

SECTION 4:

OPERATION

4.01 Overview

Conventional operating procedures apply when using the Welding Power Source, i.e. connect work lead directly
to workpiece and electrode lead is used to hold electrode. The welding current range values should be used as
a guide only. Current delivered to the arc is dependent on the welding arc voltage, and as welding arc voltage
varies between different classes of electrode, welding current at any one setting would vary according to the
type of electrode in use. The operator should use the welding current range values as a guide, then finally
adjust the current setting to suit the application.

4.02 Front Panel

(A) Power On Indicator

(B) Over Heat Indicator

(E) Welding Current
Control

(G) Gas Outlet

Art # A-08439_AC

(C) Trigger Mode Selection Switch

(D) Process Selection Switch

(F) Arc Force/Down Slope Control

(I) Torch Trigger Socket

Negative Output Terminal Positive Output Terminal

Figure 4-1: Front Panel

April 23, 2008

4-1

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.03 Front Panel Functions

Refer to Figure 4-1 on the previous page.

A. Power ON Indicator

The Power ON Indicator illuminates when the ON/OFF
switch is in the ON position and the correct mains
voltage is present.

B. Over Heat Indicator

The welding power source is protected by a self
resetting thermostat. The indicator will illuminate if
the duty cycle of the power source has been exceeded.
If the Over Heat light illuminates wait for the Over
Heat light to extinguish before resuming welding.

C. Trigger Mode Selection Switch (TIG

Mode only)

Normal Mode.

Press the Tig Torch Trigger Switch and hold
depressed to weld. Release the Tig Torch
Trigger Switch to stop welding.

Downslope operates in TIG mode only. Whilst
welding if the Tig Torch Trigger Switch is
released, the welding current ramps down to
zero current over a defined period of time. The
time period is determined by the Downslope
Control Knob (F).

Latch Mode.

This mode of welding is mainly used for long
weld runs. The operator need only to press
the Tig Torch Trigger Switch to activate and
then release the Tig Torch Trigger Switch to
continue to weld, then press the Tig Torch
Trigger Switch again and release the Tig Torch
Trigger Switch to stop welding. This eliminates
the need for the operator to depress the Tig
Torch Trigger Switch for the complete length
of the weld.

Downslope operates in TIG Mode only. To
activate the Downslope function in Latch
mode whilst welding, the TIG Torch Trigger
Switch must be depressed and held which will
ramp the Welding Current down to zero over
a defined period of time. The time period is
determined by the Downslope Control Knob
(F). At any time whilst welding if the TIG Torch
Trigger Switch is depressed and released the
arc will extinguish immediately.

D. Process Selection Switch

E. Welding Current Control

The welding current is increased by turning the Weld
Current (A) control knob clockwise or decreased by
turning the Weld Current (A) control knob anti­clockwise. The welding current should be set
according to the specific application. Refer to
application notes in this section for further
information.

F. Arc Force/Down Slope Control

Arc Force is effective when in Manual Arc Mode only.
Arc Force control provides an adjustable amount of
Arc Force (or "dig") control. This feature can be
particularly beneficial in providing the operator the
ability to compensate for variability in joint fit-up in
certain situations with particular electrodes. In general
increasing the Arc Force control toward '10'
(maximum Arc Force) allows greater penetration
control to be achieved.

Down Slope operates in TIG mode only. It is used to
set the time for weld current to ramp down. Refer to
Item C (Trigger Mode Selection Switch) for further
information regarding Downslope operation.

G. Gas Outlet

The Gas Outlet is a 5/8-18 UNF female gas fitting and
is utilised for the connection of a suitable Tig Torch.

H. Post Gas Flow

Post Gas Flow is the time Gas flows after the arc has
extinguished. This is used to cool and reduce
oxidisation of the Tungsten Electrode.

Post Gas Flow time is proportional to the Welding
Current. For example if the Welding Current is set to
10 amps the Post Gas Flow time will be approximately
3 seconds. For a Welding Current set to 170 Amps
the Post Gas Flow time will be approximately 10
seconds. The Post Gas Flow time cannot be adjusted
independently of the Welding Current.

I. Torch T rigger Socket

The 8 pin Torch Trigger Socket is used to connect the
Tig Torch Trigger Switch to the welding Power Source.
To make connections, align keyway, insert plug, and
rotate threaded collar fully clockwise.

NOTE:

Remote Welding Current Control is not

available on this model.

J. ON/OFF Switch (located on rear panel-

not shown)

Switches between Manual Arc, Lift TIG and HF TIG
modes. Refer to Section 3.06 Setup for Manual Arc
Welding and 3.07 Setup for TIG Welding.

4-2

This switch controls the Mains Supply Voltage to the
Power Source.

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.04 Arc Welding Electrodes

Metal arc welding electrodes consist of a core wire
surrounded by a flux coating. The flux coating is
applied to the core wire by an extrusion process.

The coating on arc welding electrodes serves a
number of purposes:

A. To provide a gaseous shield for the weld metal,

and preserve it from contamination by the
atmosphere whilst in a molten state.

B. To give a steady arc by having ‘arc stabilisers’

present, which provide a bridge for current to flow
across.

C. To remove oxygen from the weld metal with

‘deoxidisers’.

D. To provide a cleansing action on the work piece

and a protective slag cover over the weld metal to
prevent the formation of oxides while the metal is
solidifying. The slag also helps to produce a bead
of the desired contour.

4.05 Types of Electrodes

Arc Welding electrodes are classified into a number
of groups depending on their applications. There are
a great number of electrodes used for specialised
industrial purposes which are not of particular interest
for everyday general work. These include some low
hydrogen types for high tensile steel, cellulose types
for welding large diameter pipes, etc.

The range of electrodes dealt with in this publication
will cover the vast majority of applications likely to be
encountered; are all easy to use and all will work on
even the most basic of welding machines.

E. To introduce alloys into the weld deposits in special

type electrodes.

April 23, 2008

4-3

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.06 Electrode Selection Chart

CIGWELD Electrode Selection Chart

Description Diameter Pack Part No. Application

2.5mm Handipak 322135

Satincraft 13

Ferrocraft 12XP

Speedex 12

Speedex 13

Ferrocraft 16TXP

Satincrome 308L-17

Satincrome 309Mo­17

Satincrome 316L-17

Weldall

Castcraft 55

Castcraft 100

2.5mm 2.5kg 612182

3.2mm Handipak 322136

3.2mm 2.5kg 612183

4.0mm 5kg 611184

2.0mm Handipak 322128

2.0mm 2.5kg 612231

2.5mm 1kg 322129

2.5mm 2.5kg 612232

3.2mm 1kg 322138

3.2mm 2.5kg 612233

4.0mm 5kg 611234

2.5mm 1kg SP12251

2.5mm 2.5kg SP12125

3.2mm 1kg SP12321

3.2mm 2.5kg SP12132

4.0mm 5kg SP1240

2.5mm 5kg SP1325

3.2mm 5kg SP1332

4.0mm 5kg SP1340

2.5mm

3.2mm

2.5/3.2mm

4.0mm

2.5mm

3.2mm

4.0mm

2.5mm

3.2mm

4.0mm

2.0mm

2.5mm

3.2mm

2.5/3.2mm

4.0mm

2.5mm

3.2mm

2.5/3.2mm

4.0mm

3.2mm

4.0mm

2.5mm

3.2mm
Blisterpack

4.0mm

3 kg can
3 kg can
Blisterpack
3 kg can

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg
2,5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg
Blisterpack

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg
Blisterpack

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg

2.5 kg
Blisterpack

2.5 kg

613562
613563
322214
613564
611602
611603
611604
611692
611693
611694
611661
611662
611663
322215
611664
611702
611703
322216
611704
611723
611724

611732
611733
322217
611734

General purpose electrode suitable for all
positional welding and galvanized steel

General purpose, Xtra performance electrode
recommended for all positional (inc. vertical
down) welding of mild and galvanized steel.

User-friendly GP electrode for welding thin
section mild and galvanized steels. Excellent for
vertical down fillet welding applications.

User-friendly GP electrode producing a quiet
smooth arc and a flat mitred fillet weld.

Hydrogen Controlled type offering exceptional
AC/DC performance in all welding positions.

Stainless Steel type for 19Cr/10Ni stainless
grades including 201, 202, 301, 302, 303, 304,
304L, 305, 308, etc
Stainless Steel type for 309 and 309L grades. It is
also suitable for welding of dissimilar welding of
other 300 series stainless steels.

Stainless Steel type for welding of matching Mo
bearing grades, 316 and 316L.

High alloy stainless steel type for welding of
unknown steels, repair of die or tool steels and for
joining dissimilar steels. (Not recommended for
cast iron).
For repair and maintenance welding of S.G. cast
iron, meehanite and other cast irons. It produces
high strength weld than Castcraft 100.
Soft, Ductile Nickel type electrode for repair and
maintenance welding of a wide range of cast
irons. It has better “wetting” action than Castcraft

55.

4-4

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.07 Size of Electrode

The electrode size is determined by the thickness of
metals being joined and can also be governed by the
type of welding machine available. Small welding
machines will only provide sufficient current
(amperage) to run the smaller size electrodes.

For thin sections, it is necessary to use smaller
electrodes otherwise the arc may burn holes through
the job. A little practice will soon establish the most
suitable electrode for a given application.

4.08 Storage of Electrodes

Always store electrodes in a dry place and in their
original containers.

4.09 Electrode Polarity

Electrodes are generally connected to the ELECTRODE
HOLDER with the Electrode Holder connected positive
polarity. The WORK LEAD is connected negative
polarity and is connected to the work piece. If in doubt
consult your nearest Accredited CIGWELD Distributor.

4.10 Effects of Arc Welding Various Materials

A. High tensile and alloy steels

The two most prominent effects of welding these
steels are the formation of a hardened zone in the
weld area, and, if suitable precautions are not taken,
the occurrence in this zone of under-bead cracks may
result. Hardened zone and under-bead cracks in the
weld area may be reduced by using the correct
electrodes, preheating, using higher current settings,
using larger electrodes sizes, short runs for larger
electrode deposits or tempering in a furnace.

Hydrogen controlled Electrodes must be used for
this application. Use Ferrocraft 61 or 16TXP for normal
strength (500 MPa) steels, and Alloycraft range for
higher strength steels.

B. Austenitic manganese steels

The effect on manganese steel of slow cooling from
high temperatures is to embrittle it. For this reason it
is absolutely essential to keep manganese steel cool
during welding by quenching after each weld or skip
welding to distribute the heat. Suitable Electrode types
are Cobalarc Austex or Cobalarc Mangcraft.

C. Cast Iron

Most types of cast iron, except white iron, are
weldable. White iron, because of its extreme
brittleness, generally cracks when attempts are made
to weld it. Trouble may also be experienced when
welding white-heart malleable, due to the porosity
caused by gas held in this type of iron. Suitable
Electrode types are Castcraft 55 or Castcraft 100.

D. Copper and alloys

The most important factor is the high rate of heat
conductivity of copper, making preheating of heavy
sections necessary to give proper fusion of weld and
base metal. Suitable Electrode types are Bronzecraft
AC-DC electrodes.

4.11 Arc Welding Practice

The techniques used for arc welding are almost
identical regardless of what types of metals are being
joined. Naturally enough, different types of electrodes
would be used for different metals as described in
the preceding section.

April 23, 2008

4-5

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.12 Welding Position

The electrodes dealt with in this publication can be used in most positions, i.e. they are suitable for welding in
flat, horizontal, vertical and overhead positions. Numerous applications call for welds to be made in positions
intermediate between these. Some of the common types of welds are shown in Figures 4-2 through 4-9.

Art # A-07687

Figure 4-2: Flat position, down hand butt weld

Art # A-07688

Figure 4-3: Flat position, gravity fillet weld

Art # A-07689

Figure 4-4: Horizontal position, butt weld

Art A-07691

Figure 4-6: Vertical position, butt weld

Art # A-07692

Figure 4-7: Vertical position, fillet weld

Figure 4-5: Horizontal - Vertical (HV) position

4-6

Art# A-07693

Figure 4-8: Overhead position, butt weld

Art # A-07690

Art # A-07694

Figure 4-9: Overhead position fillet, weld

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.13 Joint Preparations

In many cases, it will be possible to weld steel sections without any special preparation. For heavier sections
and for repair work on castings, etc., it will be necessary to cut or grind an angle between the pieces being
joined to ensure proper penetration of the weld metal and to produce sound joints.

In general, surfaces being welded should be clean and free of rust, scale, dirt, grease, etc. Slag should be
removed from oxy-cut surfaces. Typical joint designs are shown in Figure 4-10.

Open Square Butt

Joint

Gap varies from 1.6mm to 4.8mm depending

on plate thickness

Single Vee Butt Joint

Lap Joint

Fillet Joint

Corner Weld

Not less than

45°

Single Vee Butt Joint

Double Vee Butt Joint

Tee Joints

(Fillet both sides of the

joint)

Edge Joint

1.6mm

1.6mm

Not less than

70°

Not less than

70°

1.6mm max

1.6mm max

Art # A-07695

April 23, 2008

Plug Weld Plug Weld

Figure 4-10: Typical joint designs for arc welding

4-7

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.14 Arc Welding Technique

A Word to Beginners

For those who have not yet done any welding, the
simplest way to commence is to run beads on a piece
of scrap plate. Use mild steel plate about 6.0mm thick
and a 3.2mm electrode. Clean any paint, loose scale
or grease off the plate and set it firmly on the work
bench so that welding can be carried out in the
downhand position. Make sure that the work clamp
is making good electrical contact with the work, either
directly or through the work table. For light gauge
material, always clamp the work lead directly to the
job, otherwise a poor circuit will probably result.

4.15 The Welder

Place yourself in a comfortable position before
beginning to weld. Get a seat of suitable height and
do as much work as possible sitting down. Don’t hold
your body tense. A taut attitude of mind and a tensed
body will soon make you feel tired. Relax and you will
find that the job becomes much easier. You can add
much to your peace of mind by wearing a leather
apron and gauntlets. You won’t be worrying then
about being burnt or sparks setting alight to your
clothes.

Place the work so that the direction of welding is
across, rather than to or from, your body. The
electrode holder lead should be clear of any
obstruction so that you can move your arm freely
along as the electrode burns down. If the lead is slung
over your shoulder, it allows greater freedom of
movement and takes a lot of weight off your hand. Be
sure the insulation on your cable and electrode holder
is not faulty, otherwise you are risking an electric
shock.

4.16 Striking the Arc

Practice this on a piece of scrap plate before going
on to more exacting work. You may at first experience
difficulty due to the tip of the electrode “sticking” to
the work piece. This is caused by making too heavy a
contact with the work and failing to withdraw the
electrode quickly enough. A low amperage will
accentuate it. This freezing-on of the tip may be
overcome by scratching the electrode along the plate
surface in the same way as a match is struck. As soon
as the arc is established, maintain a 1.6mm to 3.2mm
gap between the burning electrode end and the parent
metal. Draw the electrode slowly along as it melts
down.

Another difficulty you may meet is the tendency, after
the arc is struck, to withdraw the electrode so far that
the arc is broken again. A little practice will soon
remedy both of these faults.

Art # A-07696

Figure 4-11: Striking an arc

4.17 Arc Length

The securing of an arc length necessary to produce a
neat weld soon becomes almost automatic. You will
find that a long arc produces more heat. A very long
arc produces a crackling or spluttering noise and the
weld metal comes across in large, irregular blobs.
The weld bead is flattened and spatter increases. A
short arc is essential if a high quality weld is to be
obtained although if it is too short there is the danger
of it being blanketed by slag and the electrode tip being
solidified in. If this should happen, give the electrode
a quick twist back over the weld to detach it. Contact
or “touch-weld” electrodes such as Ferrocraft 21 do
not stick in this way, and make welding much easier.

4.18 Rate of Travel

After the arc is struck, your next concern is to maintain
it, and this requires moving the electrode tip towards
the molten pool at the same rate as it is melting away.
At the same time, the electrode has to move along
the plate to form a bead. The electrode is directed at
the weld pool at about 20° from the vertical. The rate
of travel has to be adjusted so that a well-formed bead
is produced.

If the travel is too fast, the bead will be narrow and
strung out and may even be broken up into individual
globules. If the travel is too slow, the weld metal piles
up and the bead will be too large.

4-8

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.19 Making Welded Joints

Having attained some skill in the handling of an
electrode, you will be ready to go on to make up
welded joints.

A. Butt Welds

Set up two plates with their edges parallel, as shown
in Figure 4-12, allowing 1.6mm to 2.4mm gap
between them and tack weld at both ends. This is to
prevent contraction stresses from the cooling weld
metal pulling the plates out of alignment. Plates thicker
than 6.0mm should have their mating edges bevelled
to form a 70° to 90° included angle. This allows full
penetration of the weld metal to the root. Using a

3.2mm Ferrocraft 21 electrode at 100 amps, deposit
a run of weld metal on the bottom of the joint.

Do not weave the electrode, but maintain a steady
rate of travel along the joint sufficient to produce a
well-formed bead. At first you may notice a tendency
for undercut to form, but keeping the arc length short,
the angle of the electrode at about 20° from vertical,
and the rate of travel not too fast, will help eliminate
this. The electrode needs to be moved along fast
enough to prevent the slag pool from getting ahead
of the arc. To complete the joint in thin plate, turn the
job over, clean the slag out of the back and deposit a
similar weld.

sequence shown in Figure 4-13. The width of weave
should not be more than three times the core wire
diameter of the electrode. When the joint is completely
filled, the back is either machined, ground or gouged
out to remove slag which may be trapped in the root,
and to prepare a suitable joint for depositing the
backing run. If a backing bar is used, it is not usually
necessary to remove this, since it serves a similar
purpose to the backing run in securing proper fusion
at the root of the weld.

B. Fillet Welds

These are welds of approximately triangular cross­section made by depositing metal in the corner of
two faces meeting at right angles. Refer to Figure 4-

5.

A piece of angle iron is a suitable specimen with which
to begin, or two lengths of strip steel may be tacked
together at right angles. Using a 3.2mm Ferrocraft
21 electrode at 100 amps, position angle iron with
one leg horizontal and the other vertical. This is known
as a horizontal-vertical (HV) fillet. Strike the arc and
immediately bring the electrode to a position
perpendicular to the line of the fillet and about 45°
from the vertical. Some electrodes require to be sloped
about 20° away from the perpendicular position to
prevent slag from running ahead of the weld. Refer
to Figure 4-14. Do not attempt to build up much larger
than 6.4mm width with a 3.2mm electrode, otherwise
the weld metal tends to sag towards the base, and
undercut forms on the vertical leg. Multi-runs can be
made as shown in Figure 4-15. Weaving in HV fillet
welds is undesirable.

Art # A-07697

Figure 4-12: Butt weld

Art # A-07698

Figure 4-13: Weld build up sequence

Heavy plate will require several runs to complete the
joint. After completing the first run, chip the slag out
and clean the weld with a wire brush. It is important
to do this to prevent slag being trapped by the second
run. Subsequent runs are then deposited using either
a weave technique or single beads laid down in the

Art # A-07699

Figure 4-14: Electrode position for HV fillet weld

Art # A-07700

Figure 4-15: Multi-runs in HV fillet weld

April 23, 2008

4-9

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

C. Vertical Welds

1. Vertical Up

Tack weld a three feet length of angle iron to
your work bench in an upright position. Use a

3.2mm Ferrocraft 21 electrode and set the
current at 100 amps. Make yourself
comfortable on a seat in front of the job and
strike the arc in the corner of the fillet. The
electrode needs to be about 10° from the
horizontal to enable a good bead to be
deposited. Refer Figure 4-16. Use a short arc,
and do not attempt to weave on the first run.
When the first run has been completed de­slag the weld deposit and begin the second
run at the bottom. This time a slight weaving
motion is necessary to cover the first run and
obtain good fusion at the edges. At the
completion of each side motion, pause for a
moment to allow weld metal to build up at the
edges, otherwise undercut will form and too
much metal will accumulate in the centre of
the weld. Figure 4-17 illustrates multi-run
technique and Figure 4-18 shows the effects
of pausing at the edge of weave and of
weaving too rapidly.

Art # A-07701

Figure 4-16: Single run vertical fillet weld

Art # A-07702

Art # A-07703

Figure 4-18: Examples of vertical fillet welds

2. Vertical Down

The Ferrocraft 21 electrode makes welding in
this position particularly easy. Use a 3.2mm
electrode at 100 amps. The tip of the electrode
is held in light contact with the work and the
speed of downward travel is regulated so that
the tip of the electrode just keeps ahead of
the slag. The electrode should point upwards
at an angle of about 45°.

3. Overhead Welds

Apart from the rather awkward position
necessary, overhead welding is not much
more difficult that downhand welding. Set up
a specimen for overhead welding by first
tacking a length of angle iron at right angles
to another piece of angle iron or a length of
waste pipe. Then tack this to the work bench
or hold in a vice so that the specimen is
positioned in the overhead position as shown
in the sketch. The electrode is held at 45° to
the horizontal and tilted 10° in the line of travel
(Figure 4-19). The tip of the electrode may be
touched lightly on the metal, which helps to
give a steady run. A weave technique is not
advisable for overhead fillet welds. Use a

3.2mm Ferrocraft 12XP electrode at 100
amps, and deposit the first run by simply
drawing the electrode along at a steady rate.
You will notice that the weld deposit is rather
convex, due to the effect of gravity before the
metal freezes.

Figure 4-17: Multi run vertical fillet weld

4-10

Art # A-07704

Figure 4-19: Overhead fillet weld

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.20 Distortion

Distortion in some degree is present in all forms of
welding. In many cases it is so small that it is barely
perceptible, but in other cases allowance has to be
made before welding commences for the distortion
that will subsequently occur. The study of distortion
is so complex that only a brief outline can be attempted
hear.

4.21 The Cause of Distortion

Distortion is cause by:

A. Contraction of Weld Metal:

Molten steel shrinks approximately 11 per cent in
volume on cooling to room temperature. This means
that a cube of molten metal would contract
approximately 2.2 per cent in each of its three
dimensions. In a welded joint, the metal becomes
attached to the side of the joint and cannot contract
freely. Therefore, cooling causes the weld metal to
flow plastically, that is, the weld itself has to stretch if
it is to overcome the effect of shrinking volume and
still be attached to the edge of the joint. If the restraint
is very great, as, for example, in a heavy section of
plate, the weld metal may crack. Even in cases where
the weld metal does not crack, there will still remain
stresses “locked-up” in the structure. If the joint
material is relatively weak, for example, a butt joint in

2.0mm sheet, the contracting weld metal may cause
the sheet to become distorted.

B. Expansion and Contraction of Parent Metal in
the Fusion Zone:

While welding is proceeding, a relatively small volume
of the adjacent plate material is heated to a very high
temperature and attempts to expand in all directions.
It is able to do this freely at right angles to the surface
of the plate (i.e., “through the weld”), but when it
attempts to expand “across the weld” or “along the
weld”, it meets considerable resistance, and to fulfil
the desire for continued expansion, it has to deform
plastically, that is, the metal adjacent to the weld is at
a high temperature and hence rather soft, and, by
expanding, pushes against the cooler, harder metal
further away, and tends to bulge (or is “upset”). When
the weld area begins to cool, the “upset” metal
attempts to contract as much as it expanded, but,
because it has been “upset”, it does not resume its
former shape, and the contraction of the new shape
exerts a strong pull on adjacent metal. Several things
can then happen.

The metal in the weld area is stretched (plastic
deformation), the job may be pulled out of shape by
the powerful contraction stresses (distortion), or the
weld may crack, in any case, there will remain “locked­up” stresses in the job. Figures 4-20 and 4- 21
illustrate how distortion is created.

Art # A-07705

Figure 4-20: Parent metal expansion

Art # A-07706

Figure 4-21: Parent metal contraction

4.22 Overcoming Distortion Effects

There are several methods of minimising distortion
effects.

A. Peening

This is done by hammering the weld while it is still
hot. The weld metal is flattened slightly and because
of this the tensile stresses are reduced a little. The
effect of peening is relatively shallow, and is not
advisable on the last layer.

B. Distribution of Stresses

Distortion may be reduced by selecting a welding
sequence which will distribute the stresses suitably
so that they tend to cancel each other out. See Figures
4-25 through 4-28 for various weld sequences. Choice
of a suitable weld sequence is probably the most
effective method of overcoming distortion, although
an unsuitable sequence may exaggerate it.
Simultaneous welding of both sides of a joint by two
welders is often successful in eliminating distortion.

C. Restraint of Parts

Forcible restraint of the components being welded is
often used to prevent distortion. Jigs, positions, and
tack welds are methods employed with this in view.

April 23, 2008

4-11

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

D. Presetting

It is possible in some cases to tell from past
experience or to find by trial and error (or less
frequently, to calculate) how much distortion will take
place in a given welded structure. By correct pre­setting of the components to be welded,
constructional stresses can be made to pull the parts
into correct alignment. A simple example is shown in
Figure 4-22.

E. Preheating

Suitable preheating of parts of the structure other than
the area to be welded can be sometimes used to
reduce distortion. Figure 4-23 shows a simple
application. By removing the heating source from b
and c as soon as welding is completed, the sections
b and c will contract at a similar rate, thus reducing
distortion.

Art # A-07710

Figure 4-25: Welding sequence

Art # A-07711

Art # A-07707

Figure 4-22: Principle of presetting

Art # A-07708

Figure 4-23: Reduction of distortion by preheating

Art # A-07709

Figure 4-26: Step back sequence

Art # A-07712

Figure 4-27: Chain intermittent welding

Art # A-07713

4-12

Figure 4-28: Staggered intermittent welding

Figure 4-24: Examples of distortion

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

4.23 TIG Welding Filler Rods

Comweld
Rod

LW1
LW1-6
Supersteel
CrMo1
CrMo2

308L
309L
316L

TIG Welding is generally regarded as a specialised process that requires operator competency. Whilst many of
the principles outlined in the previous Arc Welding section are applicable a comprehensive outline of the TIG
Welding process is outside the scope of this Operating Manual. For further information please refer to
www.cigweld.com.au or contact Cigweld.

Aust
Std

R4
R6
R2
RB2
RB3

R308L
R309L
R316L

AWS Std Part No.

1.6mm

ER70S-4
ER70S-6
ER70S-2
ER80S-B2
ER90S-B3

ER308L
ER309L
ER316L

321411
321417
321370

-

-

321406
321403
321400

Part No.

2.4mm

321412
321418
321373
321379
321383

321407
321404
321401

Part No.

3.2mm

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Type/Application

For mild-medium strength
steels. Pipes, tubing, roll
cages, etc
For welding of high strength
Cr-Mo steels used at elevated
temperatures.
For stainless steels.
Stainless pipes, tubing,
architectural uses, etc.

April 23, 2008

4-13

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

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4-14

April 23, 2008

5.01 Routine Maintenance &

!

!

!

Inspection

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

SECTION 5:

SERVICE

CAUTION

WARNING

There are extremely dangerous voltage
and power levels present inside this
product. Do not attempt to open or repair
unless you are a qualified electrical
tradesperson. Disconnect the Welding
Power Source from the Mains Supply
Voltage before disassembling.

Welding equipment should be regularly checked by a
qualified electrical tradesperson to ensure that:

• The main earth wire of the electrical installation
is intact.

• Power point for the Welding Power Source is
effectively earthed and of adequate current
rating.

• Plugs and cord extension sockets are correctly
wired.

• Flexible cord is of the 3-core tough rubber or
plastic sheathed type of adequate rating,
correctly connected and in good condition.

• Welding terminals are shrouded to prevent
inadvertent contact or short circuit.

• The frame of the Welding Power Source is
effectively earthed.

• Welding leads and electrode holder are in good
condition.

• The Welding Power Source is clean internally,
especially from metal filing, slag, and loose
material. If any parts are damaged for any
reason, replacement is recommended.

5.02 Cleaning the Welding Power Source

WARNING

Refer to WARNING on page 3-2.

Do not use compressed air to clean the
Welding Power Source. Compressed air
can force metal particles to lodge between
live electrical parts and earthed metal parts
within the Welding Power Source. This
may result in arcing between this parts and
their eventual failure.

5.03 Face Shield Maintenance

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 an accredited CIGWELD
Distributor.

NOTES

• Inspect lenses frequently. Immediately
replace any scratched, cracked, or pitted
lenses as they may impair visibility and
reduce protection.

• Inspect Faceshield Shell frequently.
Immediately replace any damaged or worn
components.

• The Faceshield and Lens should be
cleaned after use with a soft cloth.

5.04 Basic Troubleshooting

WARNING

There are extremely dangerous voltage
and power levels present inside this
product. Do not attempt to open or repair
unless you are a qualified electrical
tradesperson and you have had training
in power measurements and
troubleshooting techniques.

To clean the Welding Power Source, open the
enclosure and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any
accumulated dirt, metal filings, slag and loose
material. Keep the shunt and lead screw surfaces clean
as accumulated foreign material may reduce the
welders output welding current.

April 23, 2008

If major complex subassemblies are faulty, then the
Welding Power Source must be returned to an
Accredited CIGWELD Service Agent for repair.

The basic level of troubleshooting is that which can
be performed without special equipment or
knowledge.

5-1

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

5.05 Welding Problems

1 Gas pockets or voids in weld metal

(Porosity)

2 Crack occurring in weld metal soon

after solidification commences

3 A gap is left by failure of the weld

metal to fill the root of the weld

Possible CauseDescription Remedy

A Electrodes are damp A Dry electrodes before use

B Welding current is too high B Reduce welding current
C Surface impurities such as

C Clean joint before welding

oil, grease, paint, etc

A Rigidity of joint A Redesign to relieve weld

joint of severe stresses or
use crack resistance
electrodes

B Insufficient throat thickness B Travel slightly slower to

alloy greater build-up in
throat

C Cooling rate is too high C Preheat plate and cool

slowly

A Welding current is too low A Increase welding current

B Electrode too large for joint B Use smaller diameter

electrode
C Insufficient gap C Allow wider gap
D Incorrect sequence D Use correct build-up

sequence

Figure 5-1: Example of Insufficient Gap or Incorrect Sequence

4 Portions of the weld run do not

fuse to the surface of the metal or
edge of the joint

Art # A-05866_AB

Incorrect Sequence

Insufficient Gap

Possible CauseDescription Remedy

A Small electrodes used on

heavy cold plate

A Use larger electrodes and

preheat the plate

B Welding current is too low B Increase welding current
C Wrong electrode angle C Adjust angle so the

welding arc is directed

more into the base metal
D Travel speed of electrode is

too high

D Reduce travel speed of

electrode
E Scale or dirt on joint surface E Clean surface before

welding

5-2

April 23, 2008

Lack of side fusion,
scale dirt, small electrode,
amperage too low

Figure 5-2: Example of Lack of Fusion

5 A groove has been formed in the

base metal adjacent to the toe of a
weld and has not been filled by the
weld metal (undercut).

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

Lack of fusion caused by dirt,
electrode angle incorrect,
rate of travel too high

Art # A-05867_AB

Lack of inter-run fusion

Lack of root fusion

Possible CauseDescription Remedy

A Welding current is too high. A Reduce welding current

B Welding arc is too long. B Reduce the length of the

welding arc

C Angle of the electrode is

incorrect.

D Joint preparation does not

allow correct electrode
angle.

E Electrode too large for joint. E Use smaller gauge

F Insufficient deposit time at

edge of weave.

C Electrode should not be

inclined less than 45° to
the vertical face

D Allow more room in joint

for manipulation of the
electrode.

electrode.
Pause for a moment at

F

edge of weave to allow
weld metal build-up.

April 23, 2008

Art # A-07714

Figure 5-3: Examples of undercut

5-3

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

6 Non-metallic particles are trapped

in the weld metal (slag inclusion)

Possible CauseDescription Remedy

A Non-metallic particles may

be trapped in undercut from
previous run

B Joint preparation too

restricted

C Irregular deposits allow slag

to be trapped

D Lack of penetration with

slag trapped beneath weld
bead

E Rust or mill scale is

preventing full fusion

F Wrong electrode for position

in which welding is done

A If bad undercut is

present, clean slag out

and cover with a run from

a smaller diameter

electrode

B Allow for adequate

penetration and room for

cleaning out the slag

C If very bad, chip or grind

out irregularities

D Use smaller electrode with

sufficient current to give

adequate penetration. Use

suitable tools to remove

all slag from corners

E Clean joint before welding

F Use electrodes designed

for position in which

welding is done,

otherwise proper control

of slag is difficult

Not cleaned, or incorrect electrode

Figure 5-4: Examples of Slag Inclusion

Art # A-05868

Slag trapped in
undercut

Slag trapped in root

5-4

April 23, 2008

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

5.06 Welding Power Source Problems

Description Possible Cause Remedy

1 The welding arc cannot be

established

2 Maximum output welding

current cannot be achieved

with nominal Mains supply

voltage

3 Welding current reduces

when welding

4 TIG electrode melts when

arc is struck

5 Arc flutters during TIG

welding

6 No High Frequency is

produced.

A. The Primary supply voltage

has not been switched ON

B. The Welding Power Source

switch is switched OFF

C. Loose connections internally C. Have an Accredited Cigweld

Defective control circuit Have an Accredited Cigweld

Poor work lead connection
to the work piece

TIG torch is connected to
the (+) VE terminal

Tungsten electrode is too
large for the welding current

A. Process selection switch is

set to Manual Arc or Lift TIG
Mode.

B. Torch Trigger Switch lead is

disconnected or switch/lead
is faulty.

C. High Frequency Spark Gap

too wide or short circuited.

A. Switch ON the Primary supply

voltage

B. Switch ON the Welding Power

Source

Service Provider repair the
connection

Service Provider inspect then
repair the welder

Ensure that the work lead has
a positive electrical connection
to the work piece

Connect the TIG torch to the
(-) VE terminal

Select the correct size of

tungsten electrode

A. Set process Selection Switch

to HF TIG Mode.

B. Reconnect or repair TIG torch

trigger switch/lead.

C. Have an Accredited Cigweld

Service Provider adjust spark
gap to be 0.5 – 0.6mm.

7 No Gas Flow when the TIG

Torch Trigger Switch is
depressed.

A. Gas Regulator is turned off.
B. Gas Hose is cut.
C. Gas passage contains

impurities.

D. Torch Trigger Switch lead is

disconnected or switch/lead
is faulty.

A. Turn Gas Regulator on.
B. Replace Gas Hose.
C. Disconnect Gas Hose from the

rear of the power source then
raise the gas pressure and
blow out impurities.

D. Reconnect or repair TIG torch

trigger switch/lead

April 23, 2008

5-5

WELDSKILL 170 HF INVERTER

THIS PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

5-6

April 23, 2008

CIGWELD LIMITED WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY: CIGWELD, A Thermadyne Company, hereafter, “CIGWELD” warrants to customers of
its authorized distributors hereafter “Purchaser” that its products will be free of defects in workmanship or
material. Should any failure to conform to this warranty appear within the time period applicable to the CIGWELD
products as stated below, CIGWELD shall, upon notification thereof and substantiation that the product has
been stored, installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with CIGWELD’s specifications, instructions,
recommendations and recognized standard industry practice, and not subject to misuse, repair, neglect, alter­ation, or accident, correct such defects by suitable repair or replacement, at CIGWELD’s sole option, of any
components or parts of the product determined by CIGWELD to be defective.

CIGWELD MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHERS, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: CIGWELD SHALL NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE LIABLE FOR SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOST PROFITS AND BUSI­NESS INTERRUPTION. The remedies of the Purchaser set forth herein are exclusive and the liability of CIGWELD
with respect to any contract, or anything done in connection therewith such as the performance or breach
thereof, or from the manufacture, sale, delivery, resale, or use of any goods covered by or furnished by
CIGWELD whether arising out of contract, negligence, strict tort, or under any warranty, or otherwise, shall
not, except as expressly provided herein, exceed the price of the goods upon which such liability is based. No
employee, agent, or representative of CIGWELD is authorized to change this warranty in any way or grant any
other warranty.

PURCHASER’S RIGHTS UNDER THIS WARRANTY ARE VOID IF REPLACEMENT PARTS OR ACCESSORIES
ARE USED WHICH IN CIGWELD’S SOLE JUDGEMENT MAY IMPAIR THE SAFETY OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY
CIGWELD PRODUCT. PURCHASER’S RIGHTS UNDER THIS WARRANTY ARE VOID IF THE PRODUCT IS SOLD
TO PURCHASER BY NON-AUTHORIZED PERSONS.

The warranty is effective for the time stated below beginning on the date that the authorized distributor deliv­ers the products to the Purchaser. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the warranty period extend
more than the time stated plus one year from the date CIGWELD delivered the product to the authorized
distributor.

Terms of Warranty – 2007

1. The Trade Practices Act 1974 (Commonwealth) and similar State Territory legislation relating to the supply
of goods and services, protects consumers’ interests by ensuring that consumers are entitled in certain
situations to the benefit of various conditions, warranties, guarantees, rights and remedies (including
warranties as to merchantability and fitness for purpose) associated with the supply of goods and ser­vices. A consumer should seek legal advice as to the nature and extent of these protected interests. In
some circumstances, the supplier of goods and services may legally stipulate that the said conditions,
warranties, guarantees, rights and remedies are limited or entirely excluded. The warranties set out in
Clause 2 shall be additional to any nonexcludable warranties to which the Customer may be entitled pursu­ant to any statute.

2. Subject to Clause 3. CIGWELD gives the following warranties to the Customer:

Insofar as they are manufactured or imported by CIGWELD, goods will upon delivery be of merchantable
quality and reasonably fit for the purpose for which they are supplied by CIGWELD.

CIGWELD will repair or, at its option, replace those of the goods which, upon examination, are found by
CIGWELD to be defective in workmanship and/or materials.

CIGWELD reserves the right to request documented evidence of date of purchase.

3. The Warranty in Clause 2;

Is conditional upon:

The Customer notifying CIGWELD or our Accredited Distributor in writing of its claim within seven (7) days
of becoming aware of the basis thereof, and at its own expense returning the goods which are the subject
of the claim to CIGWELD or nominated Accredited Distributor/Accredited Service Provider. The goods
being used in accordance with the Manufacturer’s Operating Manuals, and under competent supervision.

Does not apply to:

Obsolete goods sold at auction, second-hand goods and prototype goods.

Breakdown or malfunction caused by accident, misuse or normal wear and tear.

Repairs or replacement made other than by CIGWELD or Accredited Service Providers, unless by prior
arrangement with CIGWELD.

Replacement parts or accessories which may affect product safety or performance and which are not
manufactured, distributed or approved by CIGWELD.

4. CIGWELD declares that, to the extent permitted by law, it hereby limits its liability in respect of the supply
of goods which are not of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household use or consump­tion to any one or more of the following (the choice of which shall be at the option of CIGWELD).

The replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent goods.

The repair of goods.

The payment of cost of replacing the goods or acquiring equivalent goods.

The payment of the cost of having goods repaired.

5. Except as provided in Clauses 2 to 4 above, to the extent permitted by statute, CIGWELD hereby excludes
all liability for any loss, damage, death or injury of any kind whatsoever occasioned to the Customer in
respect of the supply of goods including direct, indirect, consequential or incidental loss, damage or injury
of any kind.

Warranty Schedule – 2007

These warranty periods relate to the warranty conditions in clause 2. All warranty periods are from date of sale
from the Accredited Distributor of the equipment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the war­ranty period extend more than the time stated plus one year from the date CIGWELD delivered the product to
the Accredited Distributor. Unless otherwise stated the warranty period includes parts and labour. CIGWELD
reserves the right to request documented evidence of date of purchase.

WARRANTY PERIOD

INVERTER ARC WELDING POWER SOURCE

Weldskill 170 HF Inverter 1 year

Printed Circuit Boards 1 year
All other circuits and components including, but not limited to, relays, switches, contactors,

solenoids, fans, power switch semiconductors 1 year

ACCESSORIES

Electrode holder and work lead 3 months

Weldskill TIG Torch - Part No. W7003037 3 months
Weldskill TIG Torch Consumables nil
Weldskill Argon Regulato r - Part No. 210254
(excluding seat assembly, pressure gauges, elastomer seals and "O" rings) 1 year

Please note that the information detailed in this statement supersedes any prior published data produced by
CIGWELD.

GLOBAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION

Thermadyne USA

2800 Airport Road
Denton, Tx 76207 USA
Telephone: [phone]
800-426-1888
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Thermadyne Canada

2070 Wyecroft Road
Oakville, Ontario
Canada, L6L5V6
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Thermadyne Europe

Europe Building
Chorley North Industrial Park
Chorley, Lancashire
England, PR6 7Bx
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Thermadyne Asia Sdn Bhd

Lot 151, Jalan Industri 3/5A
Rawang Integrated Industrial Park - Jln Batu Arang
48000 Rawang Selangor Darul Ehsan
West Malaysia
Telephone: 603+ 6092 2988
Fax : 603+ 6092 1085

Cigweld, Australia

71 Gower Street
Preston, Victoria
Australia, 3072
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Thermadyne Italy

OCIM, S.r.L.
Via Benaco, 3
20098 S. Giuliano
Milan, Italy
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Thermadyne, China

RM 102A
685 Ding Xi Rd
Chang Ning District
Shanghai, PR, 200052
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Thermadyne,Utama Indonesia

Kawasan Industri Jababeka
JI Jababeka VI Blok P No. 3
Cikarang - Bekasi, 17550
Indonesia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone] / 6068
http://www.thermadyne.com

Thermadyne International

2070 Wyecroft Road
Oakville, Ontario
Canada, L6L5V6
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Corporate Headquarters

71 Gower Street
Preston, Victoria, Australia, 3072
Telephone: [phone]
FAX:
Email: [e-mail]

[phone]

www.cigweld.com.au