ESAB ET 186i AC/DC User Manual (English)

Questions and Answers:

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alexanderescobarJul 31, 2025
Why does my ESAB Welding System have gas pockets in the weld metal?
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  James RiveraJul 31, 2025
  Porosity, or gas pockets and voids in the weld metal, can occur due to several factors. High levels of sulphur in the steel being welded, damp electrodes, excessive welding current, surface impurities like oil or grease, welding in windy conditions, or using damaged electrodes with incomplete flux coating can all contribute to this issue. To address this, use electrodes designed for high sulphur steels, ensure electrodes are dry before use, reduce welding current, thoroughly clean the joint before welding, shield the weld area from wind, and discard any damaged electrodes, using only those with a complete flux coating.
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Janet AllenAug 4, 2025
How to fix undercut in ESAB Welding System?
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  William HicksAug 4, 2025
  Undercut, where a groove forms in the base metal next to the weld toe, can be caused by several factors. These include using too high a welding current, maintaining too long a welding arc, incorrect electrode angle, joint preparation that restricts electrode angle, using an electrode that's too large for the joint, or insufficient deposit time at the weave's edge. To fix this, reduce the welding current and the length of the welding arc. Ensure the electrode isn't inclined less than 45° to the vertical face. Allow more room in the joint for electrode manipulation. Use a smaller gauge electrode, and pause momentarily at the weave's edge to allow weld metal buildup.
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Samantha JacksonAug 8, 2025
Why is the welding current varying on my ESAB Welding System?
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  Christopher WallaceAug 8, 2025
  The welding current may vary due to the ARC FORCE control knob being set too high, causing excessive variation with the arc length. To resolve this, reduce the ARC FORCE control knob setting until the welding current remains reasonably constant. This adjustment should prevent the electrode from sticking to the workpiece when you "dig" the electrode into the workpiece.
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Nicole JohnsonAug 13, 2025
What to do if ESAB Welding System leaves a gap in the weld root?
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  tharrisonAug 13, 2025
  Failure of the weld metal to fill the root of the weld, leaving a gap, can be attributed to several factors: welding current being too low, using an electrode too large for the joint, or insufficient gap. To solve this, increase the welding current, use a smaller diameter electrode, or allow a wider gap.
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Randy OrozcoAug 17, 2025
Why is my ESAB Welding System weld not fusing to the metal surface?
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  Tristan ReynoldsAug 17, 2025
  If portions of the weld run do not fuse to the surface of the metal or the joint's edge, several factors could be responsible. These include using small electrodes on heavy, cold plates, welding current being too low, incorrect electrode angle, travel speed of the electrode being too high, or scale or dirt on the joint surface. To resolve this, use larger electrodes and preheat the plate. Increase the welding current. Adjust the electrode angle to direct the welding arc more into the base metal. Reduce the travel speed of the electrode, and clean the surface before welding.
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Caitlin ParksAug 26, 2025
Why is my ESAB Welding System weld cracking after solidification?
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  Julie CarrAug 26, 2025
  Cracks occurring in the weld metal soon after solidification can be due to joint rigidity, insufficient throat thickness, or excessive weld current. To resolve this, redesign the joint to relieve severe stresses or use crack-resistant electrodes. Travel slightly slower to allow greater build-up in the throat, and decrease the welding current.

ESAB ET 186i AC/DC Specifications

General

Input Current	16 A
AC Frequency	50/60 Hz
Output Current Range	5 - 180 A
Protection Class	IP23
Welding Processes	TIG, MMA
TIG Welding	Yes
MMA Welding	Yes
AC/DC	Yes
Pulse Function	Yes
Hot Start	Yes
Arc Force	Yes
Input Voltage	230 V
Duty Cycle	60% at 180 A