AmicoPower MTS-185 3-in-1 Welder Instruction Manual

Introduction

Welcome to the AmicoPower MTS-185 3-in-1 Welder instruction manual. This document provides essential information for the safe and efficient operation, setup, maintenance, and troubleshooting of your new welding machine. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the equipment to ensure proper usage and to prevent injury or damage.

Safety Information

Welding can be hazardous. Always follow safety precautions to prevent injury or death. Failure to comply with safety guidelines can result in electric shock, burns, fire, or exposure to harmful fumes.

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), including a welding helmet with proper shade, flame-resistant clothing, welding gloves, and safety shoes.
• Ensure adequate ventilation to avoid inhaling welding fumes. Work in a well-ventilated area or use local exhaust ventilation.
• Protect bystanders from arc rays and sparks by using welding screens or ensuring they are at a safe distance.
• Disconnect power before performing any maintenance, service, or changing accessories.
• Do not operate the welder in damp or wet conditions, or in areas with flammable materials.
• Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and know how to use it.
• Read and understand all warning labels on the machine and in this manual.

Product Overview

The AmicoPower MTS-185 is a versatile 3-in-1 welding machine capable of MIG, Lift-TIG, and Stick (MMA) welding processes. It features an intelligent power supply system that automatically detects input voltage (110V/230V), making it adaptable to various work environments.

Main Components and Included Accessories

• AmicoPower MTS-185 Welding Machine Unit
• 13 feet 200A MIG torch assembly
• 13 feet 200A TIG torch assembly
• 10 feet 300A electrode holder assembly
• 10 feet 300A work clamp assembly
• 110V/230V power adapter
• 8 feet air hose
• 1 spool flux-cored wire
• 1 spool steel wire
• 2 pcs tungsten electrodes
• 4 pcs electrodes (for Stick welding)
• 1 U-drive roll for 0.030” & 0.035” (0.8mm/0.9mm) wire
• 1 V-drive roll for 0.023” & 0.030” (0.6mm/0.8mm) wire

This image displays the front control panel of the MTS-185 welder, featuring digital displays for voltage and amperage, control knobs for wire feed speed and voltage, and connection points for welding cables.

A side view of the AmicoPower MTS-185 welder, highlighting its compact design and integrated carrying handle for portability.

The AmicoPower MTS-185 welder with its side panel open, revealing the wire feed mechanism and spool holder. A MIG torch is connected.

The rear panel of the AmicoPower MTS-185 welder, showing the power input, on/off switch, gas inlet, and cooling fan.

A comprehensive view of all accessories included with the AmicoPower MTS-185 welder, such as MIG and TIG torches, electrode holder, ground clamp, power adapter, gas hose, and various consumables.

Setup

1. Power Connection

The MTS-185 automatically detects input voltage. Connect the welder to a suitable 110V or 230V AC power source (50-60Hz) using the provided power adapter if necessary. Ensure the power source can handle the required amperage.

2. Gas Connection (for MIG/TIG)

For MIG or TIG welding, connect the 8-foot air hose to the gas inlet on the rear of the machine and to your shielding gas cylinder regulator. Ensure all connections are tight to prevent gas leaks.

3. Wire Spool Installation (for MIG/Flux-cored)

1. Open the wire feed compartment on the side of the machine.
2. Place the appropriate wire spool (2 lb or 10 lb) onto the spindle.
3. Thread the welding wire through the drive roll mechanism. Ensure the correct drive roll (U-groove for flux-cored/aluminum, V-groove for solid steel) is installed and tensioned properly.
4. Close the compartment securely.

4. Torch and Clamp Connections

• Connect the MIG torch, TIG torch, or electrode holder to the corresponding positive (+) or negative (-) terminals on the front panel, depending on the welding process and wire type (polarity).
• Connect the work clamp to the remaining terminal.
• Attach the work clamp securely to the workpiece, ensuring good electrical contact.

Operating Instructions

The MTS-185 offers MIG, Lift-TIG, and Stick welding modes. Select the desired mode using the controls on the front panel. Always wear appropriate PPE before operating.

MIG/MAG/Flux-Cored Welding

1. Select MIG mode on the control panel.
2. Adjust welding current (voltage) and wire feed speed using the control knobs. Refer to the welding chart inside the wire feed compartment for recommended settings based on material thickness and wire type.
3. Ensure correct polarity for the wire type (e.g., DCEN for flux-cored, DCEP for solid wire with gas).
4. Initiate the arc by pressing the torch trigger and begin welding.

Lift-TIG Welding

1. Select TIG mode on the control panel.
2. Connect the TIG torch and ground clamp to the appropriate terminals.
3. Ensure a sharpened tungsten electrode is installed in the torch and gas flow is set.
4. Adjust amperage according to the material and tungsten size.
5. Gently touch the tungsten to the workpiece to initiate the arc (Lift-Arc function), then lift slightly to establish the arc and begin welding.

Stick (MMA) Welding

1. Select STICK mode on the control panel.
2. Connect the electrode holder and ground clamp to the appropriate terminals.
3. Insert the appropriate electrode into the holder.
4. Adjust amperage based on electrode type and size.
5. Strike the electrode against the workpiece to initiate the arc and begin welding.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance ensures optimal performance and extends the lifespan of your welder. Always disconnect the power supply before performing any maintenance.

• Cleaning: Periodically clean the machine's exterior and internal components (if accessible) to remove dust and debris. Use clean, dry compressed air.
• Wire Feed System: Inspect and clean the wire feed rollers and liner regularly to prevent wire feeding issues. Replace worn drive rolls as needed.
• Torch Consumables: Check and replace MIG nozzles, contact tips, TIG collets, collet bodies, and tungsten electrodes as they wear out. Worn consumables can affect weld quality.
• Cables: Inspect welding cables for damage, cuts, or loose connections. Replace damaged cables immediately to prevent electrical hazards.
• Cooling Fan: Ensure the cooling fan is free from obstructions and operating correctly to prevent overheating.

Troubleshooting

This section provides solutions to common issues you might encounter. For problems not listed, or if issues persist, contact customer support.

No Power

• Check power cord connection to the machine and the wall outlet.
• Verify the power outlet is functional by testing with another device.
• Check the circuit breaker for the power circuit.

No Arc / Weak Arc

• Ensure the work clamp is securely attached to a clean metal surface on the workpiece.
• Check all welding cable connections for tightness.
• Verify correct welding parameters (current, voltage, wire speed) for the material and process.
• For MIG, check gas flow and ensure the contact tip is not clogged or worn.
• For TIG, check tungsten condition (sharpened) and gas flow.

Poor Wire Feeding (MIG)

• Check the wire spool for tangles or binding.
• Adjust drive roll tension; too loose or too tight can cause issues.
• Clean or replace the wire liner if it is dirty or kinked.
• Ensure the correct drive roll type is installed for the wire being used.

Overheat Protection Activated

• Allow the machine to cool down. The fan will continue to run.
• Ensure adequate ventilation around the welder; clear any obstructions from air vents.
• Reduce the duty cycle or welding current to prevent frequent overheating.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or technical assistance, please refer to the official AmicoPower website or contact their customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.

Official Website: AmicoPower.com