Help, I need some advice! Jasic MMA worry.

[TurtleDude]

I decided to have a go on my new Jasic TIG200P on the MMA setting, using some 3.2mm rods I bought to learn with.

I've unboxed it and already I'm running I to difficulty. I was hoping for a nice fitted 13a plug, but expecting loose wires. I wasn't expecting the chunky great flex it comes with and oversized Live and Neutral wires, let alone the Earth wire with a hoop thing on!

That's my first issue, how do I get the thing powered up? Cut the wires back and snip the hoop thing off and whack a 13a plug on it? (I only intend to use the lower amperage settings).

Do I need to buy a commando plug and adapter to 13a fused plug? What should I do?

Attached is a photo of the cord, and a label that's scared the carp out of me

Do I read it correctly that if I'm touching the steel I'm welding I'll get fatally electrocuted?

If so, bugger this for a lark, I'll go out on my motorbike, it's safer

Bottle top is for scale, I'm not drinking lol.

 

[TurtleDude]

Yes, it's incredibly dangerous and almost certain to kill you very quickly.

I will save you though, drop it round to me

I was expecting some pith and sarcasm, but not so soon.

Come on chaps I've got an itch to get cracking and I'm scared to death that I'll do something unsafe.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

With a bit of jiggery pokery you should be able to get the flex in a 13amp plug, some plugs are better than others for taking oversize cables, just trim the wires back to fit, and you can cut the crimp off the CPC.
If you really can't just do as you suggested and stick a 16amp commando plug on and buy a 13amp plug to commando socket adaptor.
If you've got a dodgy ticker and you hold the electrode holder and welding return across your heart you might kick the bucket but unlikely with the voltages and current present.

 

[Spark plug]

Just cut the wires back and put a 13a plug on, as long as your confident wiring a plug you'll be fine.

It may blow fuses if you turn the power up but that's what they are there for.

 

[TurtleDude]

Oh, and why pay something like 20 quid or more for a 13-16a adaptor when it'll cost about a fiver to make one if you haven't got the bits laying about?

That's probably what I'll do longer term, unless I'm killed dead in 15 mins.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Oh, and why pay something like 20 quid or more for a 13-16a adaptor when it'll cost about a fiver to make one if you haven't got the bits laying about?

Really!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Fly-Lead-...19273a&pid=100338&rk=8&rkt=28&sd=351133189864

 

[TurtleDude]

Update, I've got a plug on it.

3.2mm rod, 110amps ok?

And don't touch the steel I'm welding right, or I fry?

 

[TurtleDude]

Another silly question, how does the rod 'affix' in the handle thing? It unscrew, so do I just loosen it, position the rod in and wind it tight?

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Yup, the end with no flux.

 

[PTvor]

Here's an instructional video

 

[Richard.]

Gonna say. They ain't £20. My fronius is a chunky 2.5mm2 cable and I got it into a 13amp 3 pin. As said above you'll get it into some of them that have a little more gland space. A lot of machines these days are plug less out the box. They still conform to en1090 as the recommended supply will be stated on the machine. Your not gonna belt yourself with high volts maybe the old twang of OCV if you put in a rod while leaning on the bench. Where do you think the name "stinger" comes from.

 

[TurtleDude]

Ok, and finally ..and this will sound daft...


What sort of shoes do I need to wear?

I haven't got my copy of Flashdance handy for reference.

 

[Wendelspanswick]

Not Croc's coz only dicks wear Crocs!
High heels might not do your street cred any good.
Oh and no socks with sandals unless your over 65 and on holiday.

 

[TurtleDude]

Ok, doesn't matter, the stupid thing doesn't work

Power on, fan starts up, display dead as a dodo. No lights no numbers. Tried touching the rod onto the steel, Jack all happened.

Looks like it's a dud.

 

[PTvor]

Any sensible heavy duty shoes will do for now. Don't weld in gym shoes or sandals or wellies.

Much better is industrial type footwear with steel toe caps and preferably a plate which can stop nails etc penetrating the sole. You can get something suitable for £15 a pair upwards. There's a significant risk of dropping something heavy on your toes, which will at least cause you to use much foul and profane language and could cause a serious injury. Then there's the risk of droplets of molten metal or slag falling into your shoes.

As for jackets and so on. I use an old leather sports jacket, but there are proper leather welding jackets which are not very dear. You need to cover your arms and any exposed skin. Leather is pretty good at resisting hot stuff and molten droplets. Don't weld in a tee shirt, because you'll have very painful sunburn on any exposed skin. Cotton overalls should do for now.

As for gloves, there are arc welding gauntlets which are only £3 or £4 a pair. They are also sold as wood burning stove gloves and cost about £12 a pair. There are also TIG gauntlets which are thinner and give touch sensitivity for feeding the rod, but they are more delicate than arc gloves. For now, any pair of heavy leather gloves will do, gardening gloves etc.

 

[PTvor]

Ok, doesn't matter, the stupid thing doesn't work

Power on, fan starts up, display dead as a dodo. No lights no numbers. Tried touching the rod onto the steel, Jack all happened.

Looks like it's a dud.

I'd switch it off, unplug it for a minute then undo and redo the dinse connectors, then plug it back in, make sure it's in MMA mode, switch it on and try it again.

If that doesn't work, you have a bone to pick with the supplier.

 

[TurtleDude]

That's the problem, there's no illumination on the screen or dial, so I can't select any mode, amp or otherwise. Already tried all the undo, redo, checked the plug etc.

The fact that there's no red lights or anything on the front lead me to believe it's a faulty unit.

I'll take it back to Graham at CWS for him to check it over.

Gutted beyond belief after such a build up. Off to have a shower, and a beer

 

[Gareth0123]

hopefully you didn't give the copper cores a "haircut" to make them fit...

In the dim & distant I have been known to open up the holes in the plug's terminal pins with a drill the next size up to get the cable fully in and seated!

 

[PTvor]

Infant mortality is a recurring problem with all electronics.

It could be something like a connection which has worked loose in transit, and you could take the covers off (the instruction book probably tells you to do that and clear out dust every few months) and check for anything loose.

However, since it's brand new, I'd be inclined to do nothing apart from take it back.

 

[TurtleDude]

do you have to set the mode? ( RTFM )

Also hopefully you didn't give the copper cores a "haircut" to make them fit...

Nope can't select anything, just push the little buttons and nothing happens other than the fan whirring away.

I kept the wires at full thickness but trimmed them back as suggested to ensure a good fit and no spaghetti.