Miller Syncrowave 210 - Electrode and Amperage Selection Chart; Striking an Arc

OM-261726 Page 39
SECTION 11 − SELECTING AND PREPARING A TUNGSTEN
FOR DC OR AC WELDING WITH INVERTER MACHINES
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Whenever possible and practical, use DC weld output instead of AC weld output.
11-1. Selecting Tungsten Electrode (Wear Clean Gloves To Prevent Contamination Of Tungsten)
. Not all tungsten electrode manufacturers use the same colors to identify tungsten type. Contact the tungsten electrode manufacturer or reference
the product packaging to identify the tungsten you are using.
Amperage Range - Gas Type♦ - Polarity
Electrode Diameter (DCEN) − Argon
Direct Current Electrode Negative
(For Use With Mild Or Stainless Steel)
AC − Argon
Unbalanced Wave
(For Use With Aluminum)
2% Ceriated, 1.5% Lanthanum, Or 2% Thorium Alloy Tungstens
.010 in. (.25 mm) Up to 15 Up to 15
.020 in. (.50 mm) 5-20 5-20
.040 in. (1 mm) 15-80 15-80
1/16 in. (1.6 mm) 70-150 70-150
3/32 in. (2.4 mm) 150-250 140-235
1/8 in. (3.2 mm) 250-400 225-325
5/32 in. (4.0 mm) 400-500 300-400
3/16 in (4.8 mm) 500-750 400-500
1/4 in. (6.4 mm) 750-1000 500-630
♦Typical argon shielding gas flow rates are 10 to 25 CFH (cubic feet per hour).
Figures listed are a guide and are a composite of recommendations from American Welding Society (AWS).
11-2. Preparing Tungsten Electrode For DC Electrode Negative (DCEN) Welding
Or AC Welding With Inverter Machines
Grinding the tungsten electrode produces dust and flying sparks which can cause injury and start fires.
Use local exhaust (forced ventilation) at the grinder or wear an approved respirator. Read MSDS for safety
information. Consider using tungsten containing ceria, lanthana, or yttria instead of thoria. Grinding dust
from thoriated electrodes contains low-level radioactive material. Properly dispose of grinder dust in an
environmentally safe way. Wear proper face, hand, and body protection. Keep flammables away.
Ideal Tungsten Preparation − Stable Arc
1 Grinding Wheel
Grind end of tungsten on fine grit, hard
abrasive wheel before welding. Do not use
wheel for other jobs or tungsten can become
contaminated causing lower weld quality.
2 Tungsten Electrode
A 2% ceriated tungsten is recommended.
3 Ideal Grind Angle Range: 15° to 30°
. 30 degrees is the recommended elec-
trode grind angle.
4 Straight Ground
Grind lengthwise, not radial.
1
3
Causes Wandering Arc
2
Wrong Tungsten
Radial Grinding
Preparation
15° to 30°
4
1-1/2 To 4 Times
Electrode Diameter