Dynasty 350 function help

[swyman]

Is there anyone that can help point me in the right direction to getting explanations on what effect all the functions do on these machines? I purchased it new, should it have come with a video from Miller? There are so many different functions, it is near impossible to figure out by just trying them out. I tried the different pulsers on aluminum but had the best results in just the normal mode, even while welding the aluminum vertical. The manual don't tell you much, just need the proper info as to explanations of the functions. I want to use this machine to it's full capabilities, please help!!!
Shane

[KB Fabrications]

Is there anyone that can help point me in the right direction to getting explanations on what effect all the functions do on these machines? I purchased it new, should it have come with a video from Miller? There are so many different functions, it is near impossible to figure out by just trying them out. I tried the different pulsers on aluminum but had the best results in just the normal mode, even while welding the aluminum vertical. The manual don't tell you much, just need the proper info as to explanations of the functions. I want to use this machine to it's full capabilities, please help!!!
Shane

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but no welding machine I have ever owned has come with a manual containing the information you are seeking. I have no idea what kind of experience you have or what your knowledge base is so please don't take what I have to say personally. If you bought a machine and you don't understand the parameters that said machine has to offer then you most likely will need more help than you can get on a forum like this.

I own a 300DX and am just about to pull the trigger on a 350DX. I know what the features are, what they do, and how to use them. That knowledge comes from experience welding and having an understanding about the parameters involved in a given process.

Do you have something specific you are trying to do that you are not having success with? That would be a better place to start IMHO.

[SundownIII]

swyman,

You may want to order Miller's TIG HANDBOOK For GTAW. It's available on their website.

It gets into much more detail about the advanced functions of your machine than the owners manual does.

You'd think that with what they're charging for a 350, they'd include one with the machine.

Hope that helps.

[swyman]

KB, Before I reply, nice welds! I seen them on one of your posts and will always strive to do such fine work! I've been welding for 14 years but am new to the tig world. I purchased this machine for it's power and duty cycles. I have started a side business and wanted aluminum capability and felt I would get the most versatility out of a tig machine. I will learn how to use this awesome machine, just trying to seek some extra help to speed things along. I was told by a Miller rep over the phone that this machine would give superior out of position welding with it's multiple functions as well as be less likely to warp thin metal with it's pulsing options. From what I have gathered so far I can't tell much difference while welding vertical on aluminum with the pulse funtion on. I could actually do a better job in just the regular mode. The problem is there are a thousand different settings in the pulse modes so from the hour I have messed around with it so far it's kind of hard to determine. I see I will have to find some literature and do a lot of reading!
Shane

[KB Fabrications]

I was told by a Miller rep over the phone that this machine would give superior out of position welding with it's multiple functions as well as be less likely to warp thin metal with it's pulsing options. From what I have gathered so far I can't tell much difference while welding vertical on aluminum with the pulse funtion on. I could actually do a better job in just the regular mode. The problem is there are a thousand different settings in the pulse modes so from the hour I have messed around with it so far it's kind of hard to determine. I see I will have to find some literature and do a lot of reading!
Shane

Shane,
Here is a link to some textbook explanations of the functions of your new machine. This is somewhat old as it seems it was written after the 300 came out. Still some good technical information.

http://www.millerwelds.com/education/TIGhandbook/pdf/TIGBook_Chpt2.pdf

As far as pulsing goes, it does work well on thinner gauge material. It also works well when welding cast aluminum. I like to use a fast setting (200-400 pps) when welding lower quality cast material as it helps to agitate the puddle and bring contaminants to the top where they are easily removed. If you are welding OOP though, a fast pulse rate will cause the puddle to act differently so it may actually be more difficult depending on your circumstance. You also need to determine your peak and background settings as that will effect how your puddle acts and the overall bead appearance. Different welders use different settings to accomplish similar tasks. A lot of it is personal preferance and what you get used to. Even more so, personal preferance comes from experience which you can only get by seat time with the torch.

Do some experimentation and get a feel for some different settings. Also, if you get some specific parameters with material and joint configuration, post up and I will certainly try to help. There are way too many things to consider to just give basic welding info where tig is concerned.

[Anti-GMAW]

I suggest learning the basics of aluminum GTAW before worrying about the pulser and frequency controls. When it comes to aluminum you can't do a thing without the basics. It's hard to learn but once you get the hang of it it'l be super easy. I suggest finding all the material you can on aluminum and welding aluminum. Aluminum definently has unique behaviors and it's easy to over work. Try http://www.azom.com/ it should help point you in the right direction.

[Admin]

Education for TIG

I would also like to add that there is a nice accumulation of TIG info (as well as the other processes too) on
http://www.millerwelds.com/education/library.html under "Improving Your Skills". I'm not sure you'll find all of what you're looking for there, but it's worth a look before you invest money in books, etc.

Just a side note, we plan to "beef up" the education area in the next year or so as our Miller welding instructors are in the process of upgrading their materials.

Good Luck!

[swyman]

I don't have a lot of aluminum welding experience but have done some. The practice welds I have done on aluminum look great. They are uniform and seem to have the right amout of penatration. I like to be a master of my equipment and with this new Dynasty there are some many settings that you can use, it will take me a very long time to be able to use this machine to it's full capability. I will however use all the info that you folks have given me and thank you Miller for updating your web site as I have been all over it learning!
Thanks, Shane