Yeswelder YWM-160 - User Manual

The YWM-160 is an IGBT Inverter Multi-Process Welder designed for a variety of welding tasks, including MIG, MAG, Flux-Cored, Stick, and Lift TIG welding. This versatile machine is built to make welding accessible and affordable, catering to both experienced welders and those new to the craft. Its compact and portable design allows for easy setup and use in various work environments, from workshops to outdoor job sites.

Function Description

The YWM-160 offers multiple welding processes, making it a highly adaptable tool. For MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding, it is capable of working with steel, mild steel, and stainless steel. This process is ideal for welding on thinner and cleaner materials where a very clean, aesthetically pleasing weld is desired, such as in automotive body panels. The machine supports both solid steel wire and stainless steel wire in diameters of .030" to .035" (0.8mm to 0.9mm). It requires a shielding gas to protect the weld until it cools, with appropriate gas selection based on the material being welded. The YWM-160 does not have a built-in gas solenoid, necessitating a one-piece gas valve TIG torch for gas control, which must be manually opened before and closed after welding.

For Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW), the YWM-160 can be used without external shielding gas, as the flux within the wire provides the necessary protection. This makes it suitable for outdoor use or in situations where gas cylinders are impractical.

The machine also supports Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), commonly known as Stick welding. This process is versatile and effective for welding a wide range of materials and thicknesses, often used in construction and repair. The YWM-160 accommodates various electrode types, with recommendations for polarity and usage provided to achieve optimal results.

Additionally, the YWM-160 is capable of DC Lift TIG (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding). This process is known for producing high-quality, precise welds, especially on thin materials. It requires a TIG torch (not included) and a lanthanated tungsten electrode. The lift arc technique ensures a clean arc start by touching the tungsten electrode to the workpiece and then lifting it slightly to initiate the arc. Shielding gas, typically 100% Argon, is essential for TIG welding to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination.

The YWM-160 features a user-friendly control panel with clear displays for voltage and amperage/wire feed speed. It includes a Smart/Manual selection button, allowing users to choose between predefined settings for ease of use (Smart Mode) or fine-tune parameters manually. In Smart Mode, the machine preselects voltage and amperage based on the wire diameter and gas type, automatically adjusting the welding voltage for ideal arc conditions. Manual Mode provides greater control over wire feed speed and voltage. Process selection buttons allow toggling between MIG/MAG, Stick, and Lift TIG. Material and wire diameter selectors further simplify setup. Torch operation can be set to 2T (press and hold to weld, release to stop) or 4T (press and release to start, press and release again to stop), with 4T being particularly useful for long weld runs.

Usage Features

The YWM-160 is designed for straightforward installation and operation. Before use, it is crucial to read the entire manual and adhere to all safety precautions, including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as a welding helmet, flame-resistant clothing, gloves, and safety glasses. The machine should be placed in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent overheating and dirt accumulation.

For MIG/MAG/Flux-Cored welding, the work clamp connection varies based on the process: positive for Flux-Cored and negative for MIG/MAG. The wire spool spindle accommodates 4-inch or 8-inch diameter spools, with an adjustable brake to prevent over-rotation. Feeding the welding wire through the gun assembly involves careful steps, including cutting the wire end straight, releasing the drive roller pressure arm, inserting the wire, and then adjusting the pressure to prevent slipping or crushing the wire. The contact tip and nozzle must be correctly installed and maintained for optimal performance. Gas cylinder connection involves securing the cylinder, attaching the regulator, and setting the gas flow rate.

For Stick welding, the electrode holder and work clamp are connected according to the recommended polarity for the specific electrode type. The amperage is set, and the arc is initiated by striking the electrode against the workpiece. Maintaining a steady travel speed and proper arc length are key to achieving quality welds.

For Lift TIG welding, the TIG torch cable connects to the negative socket, and the work cable to the positive socket. The tungsten electrode must be sharpened and set to the correct stick-out length. Shielding gas flow (Argon) is crucial and must be set to the appropriate rate. The lift arc technique allows for a controlled arc start, minimizing contamination.

The machine’s performance data plate provides essential information, including duty cycle ratings, which indicate the maximum welding time allowed within a 10-minute cycle before the machine requires cooling. An internal thermal protection system will engage if the duty cycle is exceeded, temporarily shutting off output to prevent damage.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is vital for the longevity and optimal performance of the YWM-160. Key maintenance tasks include keeping the cabinet cover closed when not in use and ensuring all consumables—contact tips, nozzles, and liners—are clean and replaced as needed. Damaged or worn input power cables, ground cables, work clamps, or gun assemblies should be replaced promptly.

It is important to prevent grinding particles from entering the welder, as these conductive particles can accumulate and cause severe damage. Periodic cleaning of the welder, typically every six months or as needed, involves removing side panels and using compressed air to blow out accumulated dust and dirt. The wire liner should also be cleaned periodically, especially when changing wire spools.

The wire feed drive roller is subject to wear and should be replaced if it becomes worn or if it no longer makes proper contact with the welding wire. All cables should be checked periodically for good condition and absence of cracks.

For consumable-specific maintenance, the contact tip's purpose is to transfer welding current smoothly. If wire burns back into the tip or if the hole becomes worn, the contact tip must be cleaned or replaced. A worn-out contact tip can lead to unstable arc characteristics and difficult arc starting.

The gas nozzle must be kept clean to prevent spatter and slag buildup, which can cause erratic welds, reduced penetration, and overheating of the welding gun. If the nozzle becomes shorted due to buildup, it should be cleaned or replaced.

Before performing any maintenance, especially when removing side panels, it is critical to turn off the power switch and unplug the welder from the AC power source. Waiting several minutes for electrical energy to discharge is also recommended to reduce the risk of electric shock.

The troubleshooting guide in the manual helps users identify and resolve common issues by providing possible causes and recommended courses of action. If problems persist or if the user is unsure how to safely perform a repair, contacting customer support is advised.

Yeswelder YWM-160 Specifications

General

Output Current	10-160A
Duty Cycle	60% at 160A
Protection Class	IP21S
Input Voltage	110V/220V
Welding Process	MMA (Manual Metal Arc) / Stick
Weight	5.5 kg
Electrode Diameter Range	1.6mm - 4.0mm