Welding Tips and Tricks

here is the ac balance Icon on my snap-on 150 t welder. am I wrong in thinking that the symbols are backwards. I thought that electrode negative was more penetration and less cleaning. the symbol seems to indicate that - gives a wider cleaning zone and positive gives more penetration. http://mail.aol.com/38252-111/aol-6/en- ... x&partId=3

Yes, you are correct. That diagram is backwards.

I've never used yours, but if I were to guess, the readout is likely digital and pushing the "+" button increases the %

Example: 70/30 (more penetration)

Pushing the "-" button decreases the %

Example: back to 50/50 (more cleaning)

If I'm correct, it is not very intuitive.

Looks like it's marked for "More penetration" on the "+", and less on the "-"

In other words, It's not about polarity at all, but more or less penetration.

I'd have to experiment to see what it really means.

Steve S

Steve - you put it in simpler terms than I did (more clear). But that's what I think too.

...I still typed it faster though

MinnesotaDave wrote:...I still typed it faster though

Are you sure? I typed it really fast. It's the corrections that took a moment...

Steve S

Otto Nobedder wrote:

MinnesotaDave wrote:...I still typed it faster though

Are you sure? I typed it really fast. It's the corrections that took a moment...

Steve S

Accuracy counts - no do-overs

when you press the yellow button it moves a light until its lit up under what symbol you want to adjust. the +and- is the ac balance mode. then you turn a knob to either the left (numbers flashing)for more pos. or turn it to he right (numbers not flashing)for more neg.. each side of 0 (50% balanced) are numbers 1 thru 8. I have it set on 2(not flashing) hoping its about 65% neg. for most aluminum.

As you say - the symbols contradicts the + / - convention of other sets - but there is no set rule on how makers mark AC balance - if you start with the digit on zero assuming a 50/50 balance try dialing it all the way down to -8 & do a quick test weld - if it's as appears it should pretty much melt the tungsten - that being the case based on other imports that use a similar system you want + 2 or 3 should give somewhere in the 60 % > 70 % ballpark your after - ( kinda makes sense ? )