Harbor Freight Tools 62486 Support Question
Harbor Freight Tools 62486 Support Question
Find answers below for this question about Harbor Freight Tools 62486 - 240 Volt Inverter Arc/TIG Welder.Need a Harbor Freight Tools 62486 manual? We have 1 online manual for this item!
Question posted by leewoolverton on October 12th, 2023
Can This Welder Weld Aluminum And How If It Can
Thanks
Current Answers
Answer #1: Posted by Technicalproblemsolver on October 12th, 2023 8:35 AM
Technicalproblemsolver
Member since:
September 25th, 2023 Points: 190,500
Member since:
September 25th, 2023 Points: 190,500
I'm sorry, but the Harbor Freight Tools 62486 welder is a flux-core wire welder, which means it is primarily designed for welding steel. It may not be suitable for welding aluminum.
To weld aluminum, you typically need a different type of welding process called TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding or MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding with a spool gun. These processes provide the necessary heat control and shielding gas to properly weld aluminum.
If you specifically need to weld aluminum, I would recommend looking into a TIG welder or a MIG welder with a spool gun that supports aluminum welding.These machines are specifically designed for this purpose and will provide you with better results.
It's always advisable to consult the product manual or contact the manufacturer directly for detailed information on the Harbor Freight Tools 62486 welder's capabilities and suitability for welding aluminum.
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Answer #2: Posted by SonuKumar on October 12th, 2023 9:45 AM
SonuKumar
Member since:
May 9th, 2021 Points: 16,620,300
Member since:
May 9th, 2021 Points: 16,620,300
No, the Harbor Freight Tools 62486 cannot weld aluminum.
This is because the 62486 is a DC-only welder, and aluminum requires AC welding. AC welding is necessary to break through the aluminum oxide layer that forms on the surface of the metal.
If you want to weld aluminum, you will need a welder that is capable of AC welding. Some examples of AC welders include:
TIG welders
MIG welders with a spool gun
AC stick welders
It is important to note that welding aluminum is a more difficult process than welding steel. This is because aluminum has a lower melting point and is more susceptible to warping. If you are new to welding, it is recommended that you start with steel before moving on to aluminum.
Here are some tips for welding aluminum:
Use a clean and dry surface.
Use the correct filler metal.
Use a low heat setting.
Keep the weld pool small and moving.
Watch for warping and correct it as needed.
With practice, you will be able to weld aluminum successfully.
Please respond to my effort to provide you with the best possible solution by using the "Acceptable Solution" and/or the "Helpful" buttons when the answer has proven to be helpful.
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Sonu
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Related Harbor Freight Tools 62486 Manual Pages
User Manual - Page 2
... not avoided, could result in death or serious injury. It is the safety alert symbol.
CONTROLS
BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Read all times.
5. Place the welder on a stable location before turning on the Welder.
7. General Safety
PROTECT yourself and others. If it falls while plugged in electric shock, fire and/or...
User Manual - Page 3
... Hygiene or Environmental Services check the operation and air quality and make recommendations for welding and cutting procedures.
5. Arc Ray Safety
ARC RAYS can increase the risk of developing certain cancers, such as emphysema, bronchitis..., or any flammable substances. BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Item 62486
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797.
User Manual - Page 4
... before setting down torch/electrode holder and before applying heat. Do not expose welders to grounded, GFCI‑protected power supply only.
7. Do not use the...gases, vapors, or dust. Item 62486
MAINTENANCE Wear dry, insulating gloves. Connect to rain or wet conditions. CONTROLS
BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
Fire Safety
ARC AND SLAG can produce flammable or explosive...
User Manual - Page 5
...and do . Item 62486
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Store idle welders out of the reach of untrained users.
5. Welders are caused by a ...arcs.
7. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS. Use of the welder for the type of parts and any electrical circuits, including welding circuits.
5. If unreadable or missing, contact Harbor Freight Tools for misalignment or binding of the welder...
User Manual - Page 6
... install either of the tool and is connected to the grounding system in the Welder. A different 250 VAC plug and outlet combination may allow moisture to penetrate the insulation, resulting in electric shock. The Welder must never be properly grounded in accordance with all local codes and ordinances.
3.
Item 62486 DO NOT USE 125...
User Manual - Page 7
..., Low Alloy Steel, Stainless Steel Cannot weld aluminum (DC output only)
Material Thickness
Stick Tungsten
up to 3/8″ thick (in a single pass) 22 gauge ~ 3/16″ thick (0.029" ~ 0.187")
Argon Gas Cylinder (not included)
Gas Regulator (not included)
Gas Flow Gauge (not included)
Required Accessories (for TIG Welding) Inert Gas Hose with 5/8"-18 threads...
User Manual - Page 8
... Connection
Power Input
Cooling Fan
Electrode Holder
Gas Inlet Grounding Clamp
TIG Torch
Grounding
BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Page 8
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL OPERATION: Turn the Power Switch off and unplug the welder before set up or use of this manual including all...
User Manual - Page 9
.... Must be used to add material to keep the Welder powered to allow effective welding. BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Item 62486
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Power Switch: Powers the Welder. Stick/TIG Switch: Switch to top for TIG welding, to allow the fans to prevent weld contamination.
3. Gas Inlet: Attach argon cylinder via gas regulator...
User Manual - Page 10
... it automatically shuts down and the Overload Indicator lights. When the welder can be used again, use ; Clean the weld surfaces thoroughly with the Power Switch on the rear of continuous welding. Item 62486
MAINTENANCE Failure to bare metal. The edges of the welder. Page 10
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. SAFETY...
User Manual - Page 11
... Light
Current Output Knob
4. Move the Stick or TIG Switch to ignite the arc. The Welder will immediately turn the Welder on a nonflammable, nonconductive surface.
11. Tap the surface with the electrode. lift the electrode from its power supply after use. Page 11 c. BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Item 62486
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866...
User Manual - Page 12
...62486 Match size of Torch. (Pulling it from rear will be parallel to shielding gas requirements for weld-piece material thickness (see Settings Chart).
Some electrodes may have cooled enough to TIG weld properly.
WELDING... contaminated, use pliers or a suitable tool to grip the Electrode above the contaminated section and snap off the welder and wait until a blunt point is...
User Manual - Page 13
... to strike welding arc.
WARNING! Grounding Clamp
TIG Torch WARNING! Foot Pedal
TIG Torch Note: With Foot Pedal attached, TIG Torch Trigger will read 0 amps until welding begins.
3. Amperage Control (Foot Pedal, or Current Knob) -
Filler Rod (required, but does not add filler material. Torch - Controls the amount of the workpiece or worktable. Item 62486
For technical...
User Manual - Page 14
...! This prevents oxidation from the gas shield.
Follow the
gas cylinder
manufacturer's
instructions for the welder to Settings Chart for more detail).
6. Too much gas may make welds porous and create excessive spatter.
Gas Post Flow Delay Switch
Stick/TIG Switch
Overload Light
Current Output Knob
5. TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY AND DEATH: The...
User Manual - Page 15
... is ONLY an indicator of welding beads, STOP and examine
your weld technique to TIG weld properly. SAFETY
CONTROLS
Welding Tips
A good way to test welding technique is performed on. After practice welding a couple of weld technique and is not brittle
clamp SCRAP workpiece
POOR WELD snaps or cracks
BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Item 62486
For technical questions, please...
User Manual - Page 16
...Weld Speed Too Fast
TO CORRECT: Weld slower
Weld Speed Too Slow
TO CORRECT: Weld faster
Arc Length Too Short
TO CORRECT: Increase distance
Arc Length Too Long
TO CORRECT: Decrease distance
BASIC WELDING
WELDING...penetration:
(to weld THINNER workpieces properly)
c.
Stick welds will have a coat of slag over them until cleaned. d.Weld more slowly. Item 62486 b.Weld more quickly. ...
User Manual - Page 17
...current.
2. Incorrect welding technique: Keep arc on leading edge of piece. Increase current.
3. Incorrect welding technique: Place stringer bead at proper angles.
2. Hold electrode and fill material at Joint - Improper clamping: Clamp workpieces securely. Make tack welds to melt into the weld location. Increase weld speed. WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Item 62486
For technical questions...
User Manual - Page 18
... welding speed: Maintain steady weld speed.
Clean off the slag with the Chipping Hammer and Wire Brush after welding. Stick Weld - Make certain that fill material and electrode are clean and free from oil, coatings, and other residues. Inaccurate welding: Use two hands or rest hand on steady surface.
2.
Stick Weld - Workpiece overheating: Reduce current.
2. Item 62486...
User Manual - Page 19
...CONTROLS
BASIC WELDING
Maintenance and Service
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY, FIRE AND BURNS: Unplug the Welder, rest the tool on a heat-proof, electrically non-conductive surface, and allow all parts of the Welder to cool...diagnosing or servicing the tool. Disconnect power supply before service.
1. WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Item 62486
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Page 19
User Manual - Page 20
...DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR DISTRIBUTOR...IS QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. Item 62486
Parts List and
Part
Description
Qty Part
Description
Qty
1 Handle...Grommet
2
19 Connector
1
40 TIG Torch
1
20 Bottom-Housing
1
41 Foot Pedal
1
21 Air Connector
2
BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Record Product's Serial...
User Manual - Page 21
SAFETY
CONTROLS
Assembly Diagram
40 39 38 37
36 35 34 33 32 31 30 29 28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21 20
19
18
17
16
41
1 2
3 4 5 6 7
8 9
10 11 12 13
15
14
BASIC WELDING
WELDING TIPS
MAINTENANCE
Item 62486
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Page 21
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