1. Important Safety Instructions
Read and understand all safety warnings and instructions before operating this welding machine. Failure to follow these instructions may result in electric shock, fire, serious injury, or death. Keep this manual for future reference.
- Electric Shock Can Kill: Do not touch live electrical parts. Wear dry welding gloves and protective clothing. Insulate yourself from the work and ground.
- Fumes and Gases Can Be Hazardous: Keep your head out of the fumes. Use enough ventilation or exhaust at the arc to keep fumes and gases away from the breathing zone.
- Arc Rays Can Burn Eyes and Skin: Wear a welding helmet with a proper shade filter to protect your face and eyes. Wear appropriate eye protection with side shields when not welding. Wear protective clothing to protect your skin.
- Fire and Explosion Hazard: Welding sparks and hot metal can cause fires. Keep flammable materials away from the welding area. Have a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Hot Parts Can Cause Severe Burns: Do not touch hot parts with bare hands. Allow the equipment to cool before servicing.
- Magnetic Fields: Pacemaker wearers should consult their doctor before operating this equipment.
- Proper Grounding: Ensure the welding machine is properly grounded according to local electrical codes.
2. Product Overview and Components
The VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170 is a portable, no-gas flux-cored wire welding machine designed for home repairs, hobby projects, and light gauge steel work. It features adjustable current and wire feed speed controls for versatile welding applications.
Figure 2.1: Front view of the VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170, highlighting the portable handle, ground clip connection, nozzle, base, and working button.
Included Accessories:
- 1x 6.6' Welding Gun with On/Off Safety Control
- 1x 4.9' Grounding Clamp
- 1x Welding Helmet
- 1x Wire Welding Brush
- 1x 0.03" (0.8mm) Flux Core Wire
- Other small accessories
3. Setup Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170 for operation.
- Unpacking: Carefully remove the welding machine and all accessories from the packaging. Inspect for any damage.
- Placement: Place the welder on a stable, level surface in a well-ventilated area, away from flammable materials. Ensure adequate space around the machine for air circulation and heat dissipation.
- Install Flux Core Wire:
- Open the wire compartment cover.
- Mount the flux core wire spool onto the spindle, ensuring it rotates freely.
- Feed the wire through the guide tube and into the drive roller mechanism. Ensure the wire is seated correctly in the groove of the drive roller.
- Close the drive roller tension arm. Adjust tension as needed; too loose will cause slipping, too tight will deform the wire.
- Close the wire compartment cover.
- Connect Grounding Clamp: Attach the grounding clamp cable to the designated terminal on the front panel of the welder. Securely clamp the grounding clamp to the workpiece or a sturdy metal workbench that is electrically connected to the workpiece. Ensure good electrical contact.
- Connect Power: Ensure the welder's power switch is in the "OFF" position. Plug the power cord into a standard 110V AC, 60Hz electrical outlet. A dedicated 20-amp circuit is recommended for optimal performance and to prevent tripping breakers.
4. Operating Instructions
This section details how to operate your VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170 for various welding tasks.
Figure 4.1: Control panel showing the 10-speed control dial, MAX/MIN switch, Ampere Knob, and Power Switch.
- Power On: Flip the Power Switch to the "ON" position. The indicator light should illuminate.
- Adjust Current Flow (Amperage): Use the Ampere Knob (labeled 1-4) to select the desired current setting. Higher numbers indicate higher current. Start with a lower setting and adjust as needed based on material thickness.
- Adjust Wire Feed Speed: Use the 10-speed control dial to set the wire feed speed. A higher number indicates faster wire feed. The wire feed speed should be synchronized with the current setting for optimal welding.
- Test Weld: Before welding on your main workpiece, perform a test weld on a scrap piece of the same material and thickness. This allows you to fine-tune your current and wire feed speed settings.
- Welding Process:
- Wear all necessary personal protective equipment (welding helmet, gloves, protective clothing).
- Position the welding gun nozzle approximately 1/4 to 3/8 inch (6-10mm) from the workpiece.
- Press the trigger on the welding gun to start the arc and wire feed.
- Maintain a consistent travel speed and gun angle (typically 10-15 degrees from vertical in the direction of travel) to create a uniform weld bead.
- Release the trigger to stop welding.
- Cool Down: Allow the welded area and the machine to cool down before handling or moving.
Figure 4.2: The VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170 is suitable for welding various metals including square steel tube, sheet steel, metal cage, and white steel.
5. Maintenance
Regular maintenance ensures the longevity and optimal performance of your welding machine.
Figure 5.1: Internal view of the VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170, illustrating the cooling fan for heat dissipation and built-in storage space.
- Daily Cleaning: After each use, clean the welding gun nozzle and contact tip to remove spatter. Use a wire brush or spatter spray.
- Wire Drive System: Periodically inspect the wire drive rollers for wear and cleanliness. Remove any debris or wire shavings that could impede smooth wire feeding. Ensure proper tension on the drive rollers.
- Cooling Fan: Ensure the cooling fan vents are clear of obstructions to allow for proper heat dissipation. Dust and debris can accumulate and reduce cooling efficiency.
- Cables and Connections: Regularly inspect all cables (power, welding gun, ground clamp) for cuts, fraying, or loose connections. Replace damaged cables immediately. Ensure all connections are tight.
- Storage: Store the welding machine in a clean, dry environment when not in use.
6. Troubleshooting
This section provides solutions to common problems you might encounter with your VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170.
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Welder does not power on | No power from outlet; Power switch off; Faulty power cord | Check power outlet and circuit breaker; Ensure power switch is ON; Inspect power cord for damage. |
| Circuit breaker trips frequently | Overloaded circuit; Insufficient amperage circuit; Welder fault | Ensure welder is on a dedicated 20-amp 110V circuit; Reduce current setting if possible; Consult a qualified electrician if problem persists. |
| No arc or weak arc | Poor ground connection; Incorrect current setting; Dirty contact tip; Wire feed issue | Ensure ground clamp has good contact; Increase current setting; Clean or replace contact tip; Check wire feed path. |
| Wire not feeding smoothly | Wire spool tangled; Drive roller tension incorrect; Dirty drive rollers; Kinked liner | Untangle wire spool; Adjust drive roller tension; Clean drive rollers; Inspect and replace liner if necessary. |
| Excessive spatter | Incorrect voltage/amperage; Incorrect wire feed speed; Improper gun angle/stick-out | Adjust current and wire feed speed; Maintain proper gun angle and wire stick-out; Use anti-spatter spray. |
7. Specifications
Technical specifications for the VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170.
Figure 7.1: VIVOHOME MIG Welder 170 with key product specifications and dimensions.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | VIVOHOME |
| Model Number | VH719 |
| Voltage | 110V AC |
| Frequency | 60Hz |
| Max Absorbed Power | 3.7KVA |
| Max No Load Voltage Output | 34V |
| Current Range | 80-150A (Approximate, based on 4 settings) |
| Wire Feed Speed Control | 10-speed variable |
| Item Weight | 15.69 kg (34.6 lbs) |
| Handle Material | Rubber |
| Included Components | Welding Gun, Grounding Clamp, Welding Helmet, Wire Welding Brush, 0.03" (0.8mm) Flux Core Wire |
8. Warranty and Support
For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the documentation included with your purchase or contact VIVOHOME directly through their official website or customer service channels. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase for any warranty claims.