Old timer - new welder

[Gizmoman]

When I was much younger, I remember running and huge old water cooled tig in the corner of the maintenance shop. I was new to it but within a few minutes I was doing pretty well.
Here I am 20 years later with what I was told was a good all around tig. It's a Chineese (please don't flame me) unit called an ADC200.
It's got way too many knobs and I don't know where to start. The manual isn't much help.

Here are the specs on the machine:
and you can go here
http://plasmatigandmig.com/html/adc200_pulse.html
for a picture and specs.

ADC 200 MAIN CONTROL PANEL

ARC/TIG welding mode- Mode of MMA or TIG for AC and DC TIG welding

AC/DC Welding Mode Option - Mode of AC on or DC on.

2T/4T Mode -
In 2T Mode: When pressed down the arc ignites with upslope mode followed by desired current (main current). When When depressed the down slope mode is activated followed by the post flow timer.
In 4T Mode: When pressed down the arc ignites, when depressed upslope mode is activated followed by main welding current. When pressed again the down slope mode is activated then when depressed the post flow timer is active.

DC/Pulse - When the switch is at TIG mode, presses it at PULSE, and there is DC

Indicator of protection - If the machine works continuously for long time under large current, it's inner parts may get burnt as a result of overheat/ To avoid this, we set the pilot light, when it's on, please stop using the machine but don't turn it off, and it will recover after 2 or 3 mins.

Indicator of abnormal phenomenon - If the machine has abnormal phenomenon, the light will be on, when you should turn off the power supply and restart the machine to see if it's normal again, if it's not please email us or contact your local welding store.

Digital current display - Shows current reading in amps while welding.

Pre-flow time control - To guarantee the welding efficiency, gas flow before current, this switch is to adjust the time between gas and current.

Current time control - it's for current adjustment and changing the volume of current.

Base current - At DC TIG pulse, this button can adjust the volume of current.

Down slope control - As you are about to finish welding the down slope controls the time it takes for the current to reduce gradually from the crater time, until it stops.

Up slope control - As you are about to start welding the up slope controls the time it takes for the current to reach the desired welding current.

Arc force control - If you adjust this switch at MMA, then it can change the welding characteristics of low current.

Pulse Current - At AC TIG pulse, this button can adjust the volume of current.

Pulse frequency control - At DC TIG, and place the DC/Pulse at Pulse, this switch can adjust the pulse frequency from 0.5-25Hz.

AC frequency - The AC frequency allows you to alter the deposition rate allowing you to weld low gauge sheet metal. The AC frequency ranges from 20Hz to 100Hz

Pulse width control - In AC TIG welding the current exchanges between positive and negative terminals (when current is from the tungsten to work piece), it's positive direction for removing the oxidized coating on the surface of the work piece but the tungsten may be easily damaged because of overheat. Therefore if the current is negative ( work piece to tungsten) it will produce minimal heat. This switch if for adjusting the current time between positive and negative, When it's at the middle, the proportion is 50% at the maximum 80% at the minimum is 20%. If in clockwise direction, the positive current time turns longer and negative one shortens, and vice versa.

Post-flow time control - The work piece may be oxidized because of heat, so it needs to cool with the welding gas for some time as long as 10 seconds, this switch is for adjusting the post-flow time, pulse current out.

FEATURES
- Welds low gauge steel to 12mm
- Infinite welding current
- 60% duty cycle
- Light Weight Machine (25 KG)
- Welds Aluminium, Mild Steel and much more...
- Rubber Feet for anti vibration shock to PCB's
- Can Support 1.0-4.0 mm Rods

I'm trying to weld 16 ga cold rolled sheet and haven't had any luck at all
Gas is 25% Argon 25% Co set to flow around 23 (maybe too much?)
My tungsten is 3/32 and has red markings, I'm using DC.

Does anyone know where I should start with the settings? I've tried both the footpedal (gets way too hot) and the torch switch (not hot enough)
I'm lost.

Thanks much.

 

[Unclefista]

What makes up the other 50% of your gas ?

I'm pretty sure you should be using pure argon...

 

[shenion]

Yes, you need pure argon for TIG or Ar/He mix. There should be no CO2.

Sounds like you have 75/25 Ar/CO2, that is for MIG.

 

[fingers99]

Let us know how you get on with: if it really is the equivalent of the Miller and Lincoln machines at 1/2 price, I want one!

In fact, I'd suggest you go to the Miller site and see if you can find anything with similar specs: their documentation is exceptionally good and will help you understand what the Chinese are talking about!

In so far as I can help:

Pure Argon
Set the machine to DC TIG
The earth clamp in the positive socket
The torch in the negative
pre flow is gas coming before the arc -- say 3 seconds
post flow protects the tungsten and the weldpool from oxidisation, say 10 seconds
Current for that job, maybe 50 to 60 amps on the machine (but the pedal will give you fine control up to whatever you've set the machine to)

Someone who really knows what they're talking about should be along soon!

Stay in touch!

 

[shenion]

Fingers99 reminded me: Use the Miller Calculator to find the proper settings.

 

[Gizmoman]

WoW! thanks for all the great responses!

I'm using a 75% argon, 25% Carbon Dioxide mix. Welding 16 ga colld rolled sheet.

Now that I write it out, I can see the obvious - carbon + mild steel = contamination -- no wonder I'm havng trouble!

I guess I'll need to pick up a bottle of pure Argon eh?

 

[TonyWilk]

What a lot of knobs you have

I'd avoid some of the more confusing features and set...

Welding mode = DC TIG
2T/4T = 2T mode (this should mean: press the switch=ON, let go=OFF)
DC/Pulse = leave it on DC (means there's less knobs to worry about )
Pre-flow = 2 or 3 secs gas before arc
Current = if it's not marked in amps, try about 1/2 way
Base Current = shouldn't be active unless you set DC/Pulse mode (but set it about 1/4 just in case)
Down Slope = minimum, i.e. let go of switch, arc stops
Up Slope = minimum, i.e. start the arc on whatever current you set
Arc Force = not needed (unless in MMA mode)
Pulse Current = not needed (unless in Pulse mode)
Pulse Freq = not needed (unless in Pulse mode)
AC Freq = middle, i.e. 50-60Hz
Pulse Width = not needed (only for AC TIG)
Post-Flow = 6 to 8 secs ish.

... and others have already mentioned that you really need pure Argon.
flow rate should be in the region of 6 to 10 liters/minute.

Yours,
Tony Wilk

 

[fingers99]

I'm very jealous . Does seem to be a clone of the Miller Dynasty 200 DX. the owner's manual is here and an overview of the functions here.

Let us know how you get on with it!

 

[Gizmoman]

Lots-O-knobs

What a lot of knobs you have

I'd avoid some of the more confusing features and set...



... and others have already mentioned that you really need pure Argon.
flow rate should be in the region of 6 to 10 liters/minute.

Yours,
Tony Wilk

Nice and simple - thanks Tony!
Some 100% Argon and I'm gone tiggin. I think the weld was turning to slag right before my eyes cause of the CO2! See, I thought I'd be smart and use the same rig my MIG is hooked to - just T'd the lines up! Better fix that.


Jim W

 

[Gizmoman]

ARGON did the trick

Thanks all for the advice. A nice big bottle of Argon did the trick..
I'm a bit rusty but I have been able to do a bit on the 1.5mm sheet with no problems.

Thanks again
Jim

 

[dutchman]

Bit late perhaps, nevertheless...

I learned a lot about the pulse knobbies on my machine by turning each of the knobs from min to max and observing how the arc reacts. Can be a lot of fun because you can see some interesting effects.

 

[Gizmoman]

Thanks Dutchman.
I found an excellent bit of info browsing the web. There's a site that gives a knob by knob description of what each knob does, and when to use it.

I really appreciate you help.
Jim

 

[plasmatigandmig]

Adc 200

Happened across this thread and just wanted to state definitely that the machine gizmoman has, is in no way a clone of the miller dynasty.
It is a original design that uses IGBT modules and transistors to provide a 60% duty cycle at full amps, compared to the 35% duty cycle of the dynasty. The only similarity is in the functions that it provides, this of course is the case with many other welders also. This machine has a very heavy build quality, about 2X the weight of the dynasty. it's fan runs continuously as opposed to being on a thermostat like the dynasty, and it is purely 220V operation, unlike the dynasty.
It is a very good machine with great performance and weld quality, especially in AC on alloy. I personally like having the ability to make all the adjustments, and definitely dislike dumbed down welders that limit choices and adjustments. Just take some time to play, and get to know the machine, you will become a smarter weldor.