Orion 100C - Shielding Gas Setup

100c User Manual
16
ch.1
WHEN TO FLATTEN/BLUNT THE ELECTRODE
When working with silver, copper, and other highly conductive metals in energy levels above
20ws, it is recommended to blunt the electrode instead of sharpening it. A video explanation
of the steps below can be found at http://www.orionwelders.com/resources/orion-c-series-
resources/
1. Completely remove the electrode from the stylus.
2. Pinch the electrode between the thumb and middle finger with the point facing inward.
3. Turn the Dremel or flex shaft on then hold it with the opposite hand. *If the Dremel is in the
left hand, then sharpen the electrode on the side of the diamond disk furthest
from the body. If the Dremel is in the right hand, then sharpen the electrode on
the side of the diamond disk closest to the body. e reason for this is to keep the
striations on the electrode moving towards the electrode point, not away. is will
effect the quality of the weld if not done as explained above.
4. Set the electrode on the diamond disk at a 10-degree angle and begin to spin
the electrode with the thumb and middle finger. *A helpful way to get a sharp
electrode is to push down on the electrode with your index finger while twisting the
electrode with the thumb and middle finger.
5. Once the electrode is sharp and clean, turn the electrode to a 90-degree angle and
push it against the dremel in order to place a flat/blunt tip on the electrode.
6. Once the electrode has a flat/blunt tip, turn the Dremel off and insert the
electrode back into the stylus as explained above.
See the Orion Workbook for additional details about the Tungsten Electrodes.
Shielding Gas Setup
During the pulse-arc welding process high temperature plasma quickly melts metal into a
molten pool. As the weld is performed, a small amount of shielding gas is released through the
weld stylus to prevent oxygen from entering the molten pool. After the weld has occurred the
protective gas turns off.
If oxygen from the air enters this molten pool, the result is a metal oxide that is brittle, porous
and burnt-looking. Protective shielding gas is used, such as 99.996% pure Argon (Argon 4.6)
or higher, to prevent these effects. Shielding gas is necessary to produce clean and repeatable
pulse-arc welds. We recommend high purity argon. is can be purchased at your local welding
supply shop.
PRESSURIZED GAS SAFETY
ere are several important rules that should be followed when using a compressed shielding gas
such as argon.
1. Always secure the pressurized gas tank to a fixed location (such as a sturdy table leg). If the
pressurized gas cylinder were to tip and become damaged there is possibility that the tank
could become rocket-like, expelling the high pressure shielding gas as propellant.
2. ALWAYS TURN OFF THE SHIELDING GAS AT THE MAIN VALVE WHEN FINISHED. is will help
your shielding gas supply last longer in case there is a small leak in the tubing. is is also