Tweco Spool gun Safety And Operating Instructions Manual

Issue Date: April 20, 2012

Manual No: 89210007Revision: A

Safety and Operating

Instructions

SPOOL GUN

English

WE APPRECIATE YOUR BUSINESS!

Congratulations on your new Tweco® 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 800-426-1888, or visit us on the web at www.tweco.com.

This Manual has been designed to instruct you on the correct installation
and use of your Tweco® 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.

Tweco® is a Global Brand of Arc Welding Products for Thermadyne
Industries Inc. We manufacture and supply to major welding industry
sectors worldwide including; Manufacturing, Construction, Mining,
Automotive, Aerospace, Engineering, Rural and DIY/Hobbyist.

We distinguish ourselves from our competition through market-leading,
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 within the welding industry.

i

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 judgment, the Manufacturer assumes no
liability for its use.

Tweco Spool Gun: SG160TAX-12-3035

Set-up and Safe Operating Procedures

Instruction Guide Number 89210007

Published by:

Thermadyne® Industries, Inc.

2800 Airport Rd.

Denton, TX. 76208

[phone]

www.thermadyne.com

U.S. Customer Care: [phone]

International Customer Care: [phone]

Copyright © 2011, 2012 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 2012

Record the following information for Warranty purposes:

Where Purchased:

Purchase Date:

Equipment Serial #:

ii

Table of Contents

SECTION 1: SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ....................................................................... 1-1

SECTION 2: MODEL SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................... 2-5

SECTION 3: INSTALLATION AND OPERATION ........................................................ 3-7

3.01 Connecting the spool gun ................................................. 3-7

3.02 Adjusting wire feed pressure and speed ........................... 3-8

3.03 Installing the wire spool ................................................... 3-8

SECTION 4: CARE AND MAINTENANCE ................................................................ 4-11

4.01 Changing the contact tip ................................................. 4-11

4.02 Changing the wire conduit .............................................. 4-12

4.03 Changing the drive rolls ................................................. 4-13

SECTION 5: TROUBLESHOOTING CHECK LIST ...................................................... 5-15

SECTION 6: REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST .............................................................. 6-16

STATEMENT OF WARRANTY ................................................................................. 6-19

GLOBAL CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT INFORMATION ............................Rear Cover

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

1-1

89210007

Safety Precautions

SECTION 1:

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING

SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH may result if welding and cutting equipment is not properly
installed, used, and maintained. Misuse of this equipment and other unsafe practices
can be hazardous. The operator, supervisor, and helper must read and understand the
following safety warnings and instructions before installing or using any welding or cutting
equipment, and be aware of the dangers of the welding or cutting process. Training
and proper supervision are important for a safe work place. Keep these instructions for
future use. Additional recommended safety and operating information is referenced in
each section.

ELECTRIC SHOCK CAN CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH

Install and maintain equipment in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NFPA

70) and local codes. Do not service or repair equipment with power ON. Do not operate
equipment with protective insulators or covers removed. Service or repair to equipment
must be done by qualified and/or trained personnel only.

Do not contact electrically live parts. Always wear dry welding gloves that are in good
condition. Aluminized, protective clothing can become part of the electrical path. Keep oxygen cylinders,
chains, wires, ropes, cranes, and hoists away from any part of the electrical path. All ground connections
must be checked periodically to determine if they are mechanically strong, and electrically adequate for
the required current. When engaged in AC welding/cutting under wet conditions or where perspiration
is a factor, the use of automatic controls for reducing the no load voltage is recommended to reduce
shock hazards. Accidental contact must be prevented when using open circuit voltage exceeding 80
volts AC, or 100 volts DC by adequate insulation or other means. When welding is to be suspended for
any length of time, such as during lunch or overnight, all electrode holders and electrodes should be
removed from the electrode holder and the power supply should be turned OFF to prevent accidental
contact. Keep MIG-Guns, electrode holders, Tig torches, Plasma torches, and electrodes away from
moisture and water. See safety and operating references 1, 2, and 8.

SMOKE, FUMES, AND GASES CAN BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH

Ventilation must be adequate to remove smoke, fumes, and gases during operation to

protect operators and others in the area. Vapors of chlorinated solvents can form the
toxic gas “Phosgene” when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from an electric arc. All
solvents, degreasers, and potential sources of these vapors must be removed from the

operating area. Use air-supplied respirators if ventilation is not adequate to remove all
fumes and gases. Oxygen supports, and vigorously accelerates fire and should never be used for
ventilation. See safety and operating references 1, 2, 3, and 4.

1-2

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007Safety Precautions

ARC RAYS, HOT SLAG, AND SPARKS CAN INJURE EYES AND BURN SKIN

Welding and cutting processes produce extreme localized heat and strong ultraviolet
rays. Never attempt to weld/cut without a federally compliant welding helmet with the
proper lens. A number 12 to 14 shade filter lens provides the best protection against
arc radiation. When in a confined area, prevent the reflected arc rays from entering

around the helmet. Approved shielding curtains and appropriate goggles should be used
to provide protection to others in the surrounding area. Skin should be protected from arc rays, heat,
and molten metal. Always wear protective gloves and clothing. All pockets should be closed and cuffs
sewn shut. Leather aprons, sleeves, leggings, etc. should be worn for out-of-position welding and cutting,
or for heavy operations using large electrodes. Hightop work shoes provide adequate protection from
foot burns. For added protection, use leather spats. Flammable hair preparations should not be used
when welding/cutting. Wear ear plugs to protect ears from sparks. Where work permits, the operator
should be enclosed in an individual booth painted with a low reflective material such as zinc oxide. See

safety and operating references 1, 2, and 3.

WELDING SPARKS CAN CAUSE FIRES AND EXPLOSIONS

Combustibles reached by the arc, flame, flying sparks, hot slag, and heated materials
can cause fire and explosions. Remove combustibles from the work area and/or provide
a fire watch. Avoid oily or greasy clothing as a spark may ignite them. Have a fire
extinguisher nearby, and know how to use it. If welding/cutting is to be done on a metal
wall, partition, ceiling, or roof, precautions must be taken to prevent ignition of nearby

combustibles on the other side. Do not weld/cut containers that have held combustibles.
All hollow spaces, cavities, and containers should be vented prior to welding/cutting to permit the escape
of air or gases. Purging with inert gas is recommended. Never use oxygen in a welding torch. Use only
inert gases or inert gas mixes as required by the process. Use of combustible compressed gases can
cause explosions resulting in personal injury or death. Arcing against any compressed gas cylinder can
cause cylinder damage or explosion. See safety and operating references 1, 2, 5, 7, and 8.

NOISE CAN DAMAGE HEARING

Noise from the air carbon-arc process can damage your hearing. Wear protective hearing
devices to ensure protection when noise levels exceed OHSA standards. Adequate hearing
protection devices must be worn by operators and surrounding personnel to ensure
personal protection against noise. See safety and operating references 1, 2, and 6.

WARNING

This product contains chemicals, including lead, or otherwise produces chemicals
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive
harm. Wash hands after handling.
(California Health & Safety Code § 25249.5 et seq.)

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

1-3

89210007

SAFETY AND OPERATING REFERENCES

1. Code of Federal Regulations (OSHA) Section 29, Part 1910.95, 132, 133, 134, 139, 251, 252,
253, 254 and 1000. U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402.

2. ANSI Z49.1 “Safety in Welding and Cutting”.

3. ANSI Z87.1 “Practice for Occupational and Educational Eye and Face Protection”.

4. ANSI Z88.2. “Standard Practice for Respiratory Protection”. American National Standards
Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

5. AWS F4.1. “Recommended Safe Practices for Welding and Cutting Containers”.

6. AWS C5.3. “Recommended Practices for Air Carbon-Arc Gouging and Cutting”. The American
Welding Society, 550 NW Lejeune Rd., P.O. Box 351040, Miami, FL 33135.

7. NFPA 51B. “Fire Prevention in Cutting and Welding Processes”.

8. NFPA-7. “National Electrical Code”. National Fire Protection Association, Battery Park, Quincy,
MA 02269.

9. CSA W117.2. “Safety in Welding, Cutting and Allied Processes”. Canadian Standards Association,
178 Rexdale Blvd., Rexdale, Ontario, Canada M9W 1R3.

Safety Precautions

1-4

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007

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SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

2-5

89210007

SECTION 2:

MODEL SPECIFICATIONS

Description Rating

Rated Welding Current C0

2

160A

Duty Cycle 20%

Wire Diameter (Normal) 0.023-0.035 (Normal)

Wire Diameter (Stainless Steel) 0.023-0.030 (Stainless Steel)

Maximum Wire Feed Speed 630 in./min. (16 m/min.)

Maximum Wire Spool Size

Diameter: 4” (100 mm)

Width: 1.75” (45 mm)

Motor Voltage 24V DC

Model Specifications

2-6

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007

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SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

3-7

89210007

SECTION 3:

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION

3.01 CONNECTING THE SPOOL GUN

1. Make sure the welding
power source is turned
OFF before connecting
the welding gun.

2. Insert the gun connection
into the feeder receptacle,
aligning the conduit plug
first, then the gas plug.
Push until all fittings are
seated then tighten the
nut hand tight.

3. Connect gas supply fitting and tighten with a wrench.

3A. Inlet - USA model

3B. Inlet - UK model

3C. Outlet

4. Align Control Plug to
panel fitting and tighten
securely.

Installation and Operation

3-8

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007

3.02 ADJUSTING WIRE FEED PRESSURE AND SPEED

1. Use a screwdriver to adjust the wire
feed pressure. Turn the adjusting
screw clockwise to decrease, or
counterclockwise to increase pressure
on the wire feed drive rolls.

2. Adjust the “AMP“ (Wire Feed Speed)
knob on the power supply to adjust
the wire speed feed.

Direction Result

Clockwise Increase Speed

Counterclockwise Decrease Speed

3.03 INSTALLING THE WIRE SPOOL

1. Remove the spool cover by loosening
the cover screw by hand.

Installation and Operation

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

3-9

89210007

2. Slide the wire spool onto the shaft.

3. Press the red button on top of the gun to
release pressure from the drive rolls.

4. Push the wire through the guide and into
the wire feed drive rolls.

5. Make sure the welding power source is
turned ON before proceeding to step 6.

Installation and Operation

3-10

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007

6. Press the trigger to feed the wire into
the conductor tube and cut the wire to
obtain the correct wire stick-out.

7. Adjust the friction nut on the spool shaft
to apply the correct wire tension. Spool
should stop when trigger is released.

8. Replace the wire spool cover and hand
tighten the cover screw.

Installation and Operation

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

4-11

89210007

SECTION 4:

CARE AND MAINTENANCE

4.01 CHANGING THE CONTACT TIP

NOTE

Replace contact tip if hole is enlarged or deformed.

1. Select the correct contact tip according
to the wire used.

2. Remove the nozzle from the gun to
reveal the contact tip.

3. Remove the contact tip using pliers if
needed. Replace contact tip and tighten
securely.

NOTE

Periodically clean spatter from the inside of the nozzle and holes of the gas diffuser. Use
anti-spatter spray for best results.

Care and Maintenance

4-12

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007

4.02 CHANGING THE WIRE CONDUIT

NOTE

Replace liner if hole is obstructed. Make sure the end of the liner is smooth.

1. Turn the power source OFF and
disconnect the gun.

2. Unscrew the nozzle and remove it
from the conductor tube.

3. Remove the diffuser from the
conductor tube using a wrench.

Care and Maintenance

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

4-13

89210007

4. Remove the conductor tube by
unscrewing the nut at the base.

5. Pull the liner out and replace.
Repeat steps 1-4 in reverse order to
reassemble the gun.

4.03 CHANGING THE DRIVE ROLLS

NOTE

Turn power supply OFF before replacing drive rolls.

1. Remove the screws which secure the
upper and lower drive rolls. It may be
necessary to remove drive roll side of
gun case to change lower drive roll
(see steps 2 and 3).

2. Loosen four handle screws. Turn
ring on the bottom of the handle
(surrounding the speed control knob)
one-quarter turn counter-clockwise,
and remove.

Care and Maintenance

4-14

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007

3. Remove one screw holding each
drive roll in place. Press the red
button on top of the gun to relieve
pressure on the rolls if necessary.
Remove the drive rolls, and install the
new drive rolls in reverse order.

4. Perform steps 1-3 in reverse order to
reassemble the gun.

Care and Maintenance

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

5-15

89210007

SECTION 5:

TROUBLESHOOTING CHECK LIST

Problem Possible Cause Corrective Action

Drive rolls turn but
wire will not feed or
wire is not feeding
through

Incorrect drive rolls

Be sure the wire diameter being used is
stamped on the drive rolls. Replace drive
rolls if necessary.

Incorrect drive roll
pressure

Check and correct drive roll pressure. Turn
pressure adjusting screw clockwise until
the wire feeds properly or doesn’t slip.

(See page 3-6)

Worn or dirty drive rolls Clean or replace drive rolls.

Incorrect wire spool
friction

Adjust the friction nut on the spool shaft to
find the correct wire tension.

(See page 4-8)

Worn or dirty outlet liner Clean or replace liner.

Rusty or dirty wire Replace wire. (See page 3-6)

Partially arced, melted, or
improper size contact tip

Replace contact tip.

Variable arc

Contact tip worn or
incorrect size

Replace contact tip.

Incorrect wire feed speed

Adjust wire speed by turning speed
control knob clockwise (to max) or
counter-clockwise (to min). (See page 3-6)

Troubleshooting Check List

6-16

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

89210007

SECTION 6:

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

1

2

3

5

6

10

4

8

9

7

11

Ref

#

Stock

Number Part Number Description

Image

1

1110-1100 11-23 Contact Tip .023 (0.6 mm)
1110-1101 11-30 Contact Tip .030 (10.8 mm)
1110-1102 11-35 Contact Tip .035 (10.9 mm)

2

1210-1300 21T-37 Nozzle 3/8" (9.5 mm)
1210-1100 21-37 Nozzle 3/8" (9.5 mm)
1210-1110 21-50 Nozzle 1/2" (12.7 mm)
1210-1112 21-50F Nozzle 1/2" (12.7 mm)
1210-1120 21-62 Nozzle 5/8" (15.9 mm)

3 1510-1101 51 Gas Diffuser

4 2031-2107 SPG66065 Conduit

5 2031-2227 WSPDRC Drive Roll Cover

Replacement Parts List

SET-UP AND SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURES

6-17

89210007

Ref

#

Stock

Number Part Number Description

Image

6 2031-2225 WSP62180 Conductor Tube

7

2031-2228 WSPDR023 .023 Drive Roll Assembly
2031-2234 WSPGR023 .023 Guide Roll Assembly
2031-2229 WSPDR035045 .035 Drive Roll Assembly
2031-2235 WSPGR035045 .035 Guide Roll Assembly

2031-2250 WSPDRU023

.023 Drive Roll Assembly - U-Shaped
Smooth

2031-2251 WSPGRU023

.023 Guide Roll Assembly - U-Shaped
Smooth

2031-2252 WSPDRU035045

.035 Drive Roll Assembly - U-Shaped
Smooth

2031-2253 WSPGRU035045

.035 Guide Roll Assembly - U-Shaped
Smooth

8 2031-2233 WSPSCC Spool Case Cover

9 2031-2232 WSPSC Complete Spool Case

10 2031-2226 WSP62N Conductor Tube Nut

11 2031-2231 WSP92 Trigger Assembly

NS

2031-2237 WSPMOTOR Replacement Motor
2031-2239 WSPKEY Key Stock for Drive Roll

Replacement Parts List

6-18

This Page Intentionally Blank

6-19

STATEMENT OF WARRANTY

LIMITED WARRANTY: THERMADYNE

®

warrants 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 THERMADYNE products as stated below, THERMADYNE shall, upon notification
thereof and substantiation that the product has been stored, installed, operated, and maintained
in accordance with THERMADYNE’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 THERMADYNE’s sole option, of any components or
parts of the product determined by THERMADYNE to be defective.

THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: THERMADYNE shall not under any circumstances be liable for special

or consequential damages, such as, but not limited to, damage or loss of purchased or replacement
goods, or claims of customers of distributor (hereinafter the “Purchaser”) for service interruption.
The remedies of the Purchaser set forth herein are exclusive and the liability of THERMADYNE 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 THERMADYNE 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.

THIS WARRANTY BECOMES INVALID IF REPLACEMENT PARTS OR ACCESSORIES ARE
USED WHICH MAY IMPAIR THE SAFETY OR PERFORMANCE OF ANY THERMADYNE
PRODUCT.

THIS WARRANTY IS INVALID IF THE PRODUCT IS SOLD BY NON-AUTHORIZED
PERSONS.

This warranty is effective for the time stated in the Warranty Schedule beginning on the date that the
authorized distributor delivers the products to the Purchaser.

Warranty repairs or replacement claims under this limited warranty must be submitted by an authorized
THERMADYNE repair facility within thirty (30) days of the repair. No transportation costs of any kind
will be paid under this warranty. Transportation charges to send products to an authorized warranty
repair facility shall be the responsibility of the Purchaser. All returned goods shall be at the Purchaser’s
risk and expense. This warranty supersedes all previous THERMADYNE warranties.

© 2011 Thermadyne Industries, Inc. www.thermadyne.com

Printed in U.S.A.

W ORL D HEADQ UA R T ERS:

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A Global Cutting & Welding Market Leader

™

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®

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®

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International Customer Care: 940-381-1212 /

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FAX [phone]

www.thermadyne.com

THE AMERICAS

Denton, TX USA
U.S. Customer Care

Ph: 1-800-426-1888 (tollfree)
Fax: [phone] (tollfree)

Miami, FL USA
Sales Office, Latin America

Ph: 1-954-727-8371
Fax: [phone]

Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Canada Customer Care

Ph: 1-905-827-4515
Fax: [phone] (tollfree)

International Customer Care

Ph: 1-940-381-1212
Fax: [phone]

EUROPE

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Customer Care

Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Milan, Italy
Customer Care

Ph: [phone]
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ASIA / PACIFIC

Cikarang, Indonesia
Customer Care

Ph: 6221-8990-6095
Fax: [phone]

Rawang, Malaysia
Customer Care

Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Melbourne, Australia
Australia Customer Care

Ph: 1300-654-674 (tollfree)
Ph: 61-3-9474-7400
Fax: [phone]

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Sales Office

Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Singapore
Sales Office

Ph: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

International

Ph: 61-3-9474-7508
Fax: [phone]

89210007 Rev. A Printed in China