Invertec V160T P 2V Options FAQs
Optional extras for a portable DC TIG and stick inverter welder: foot control, cables, coolant, gas flow and transport.
Why should a gas cylinder be chained to the trolley?
A cylinder that is not secured can fall or be knocked over, and a falling cylinder can cause crushing injuries or damage the valve. Cylinders should be secured with a stout chain or strap, and it is normal to chain them to a wheeled trolley or against a wall.
Avoid moving a cylinder by tilting it on its base and rolling it; use a trolley instead. Close the cylinder valve before moving it. Choose a trolley with a cylinder carrier that suits the cylinder size you use, and check the chain or strap before every move.
Why does the workpiece cable and clamp matter so much?
The welding current has to return to the machine through the workpiece cable and clamp. A poor connection adds resistance, which makes the clamp and cable hot, can make the arc unstable and can make starting poor. Weak clamp spring tension, spatter, paint, mill scale and loose lugs are common causes.
Clamp the return cable close to the weld, on clean metal rather than rust, because a high-resistance return path makes stray currents more likely. Do not clamp to handrails, pipes or structure unless they are part of the workpiece. Replace a clamp that runs hot or has worn jaws.
What gas flow rate should I set for TIG welding?
There is no single correct flow rate. The right argon flow depends on the current, electrode size and nozzle size, with higher flow generally needed for bigger nozzles and currents. Treat any guide figure as a starting point only.
Too much flow can cause turbulence that pulls air into the gas stream, so raising the flow is not a cure for poor shielding. If the weld looks grey or oxidised, check for leaks, draughts and a blocked nozzle first. A flow check at the torch end can show whether the set flow is reaching the nozzle. Follow your welding procedure and the machine and torch manuals.
What coolant should I use in a water-cooled TIG torch system?
Use the coolant the cooler and torch maker specifies, because advice differs between makers. Some call for a purpose-made welding coolant and some for distilled water or a distilled water and glycol mix, so the manual is the only safe guide. Do not use automotive antifreeze, which can contain additives that block the narrow torch passages.
Tap water can leave deposits and does not protect against freezing or corrosion. Do not mix different coolant types or brands unless the maker says it is safe, and never run the cooler without coolant. If the manual is unclear, ask the cooler supplier.