The Arc-Time LTG Tungsten Grinder offers the ability to consistently and precisely prepare tungsten electrodes for TIG/GTAW and Plasma Arc Welding applications.  This guide explains the operation and maintenance of the LTG or Neutra tungsten grinder.

Designed to meet strict European environmental and workplace safety standards, our liquid-cooled tungsten grinder optimizes your tungsten electrode grinding operation, weighs just 16 pounds and grinds up to 3/16” (4.8mm) diameter with a 20ra surface finish.

With this precision grinding instrument you can prepare precision ground electrodes from .040” (1.0mm) to 3/16” (4.8mm) in diameter, quickly and consistently!

Read this entire manual prior to set-up and operation of your new tungsten grinder.

SAFETY INFORMATION
Read All Safety Precautions Carefully

Note: This Precision Machine Is Designed To Grind Tungsten Electrodes Only! 

When not grinding electrodes, turn grinder off for safety purposes and decreased wear on the precision electric motor.

Wear proper safety apparel.  Do not wear loose clothing, neckties, rings, bracelets, or other jewelry, which may get caught in the machine.
Wear safety glasses.

Never operate power tools when tired, intoxicated, or when taking medication that cause drowsiness.

Use a grounded three-prong-plug, and plug directly into a three-prong-outlet.
Keep visitors a safe distance from work area.

Always unplug grinder prior to inspection.

Read this manual thoroughly for specific adjustments and operating procedures.

To ensure consistent electrode preparation, replace damaged parts.

Make sure that the grinder is off before plugging it in.

Do not apply extreme force to the tungsten while grinding.  This may cause your grinder to jam or cause premature grinding wheel wear.

Never leave the grinder unattended while running.
Turn the grinder off when you complete the grinding operation and do not leave it until it comes to a complete stop.

Remove all fluid from the grinder for transportation and store fluid in an appropriate container.

Know your grinder; learn its operation, applications and limitations.

UNPACKING

Arc-Zone.com® takes great pride in producing and delivering quality products.  If your product was damaged in transit, please contact Arc-Zone® immediately. 

After unpacking your new grinder, you should have these items:

The ArcTime™ LTG Liquid Cooled Tungsten Grinding Machine.

One bottle of grinding fluid with MSDS sheets (MSDS sheets are also available online).

Tungsten Holder and Collets

A package with this manual and other materials.

Be sure to read the manual before proceeding.

INITIAL SET-UP AND OPERATION

Place the grinder on a flat surface with enough free space on each side for proper ventilation and to allow you to comfortably prepare electrodes.

With the power switch in the OFF position and the grinder unplugged proceed as follows:

Your new ArcTime™ LTG does not contain grinding fluid upon delivery and must be filled prior to operation with the supplied grinding fluid.

Fill the grinding chamber with the grinding fluid provided using the hose on the left side of the grinder. Fill the to the MAX line shown on the inspection cover frame.

ELECTRODE GRINDING PROCEDURE

GRINDING A TIP-FLAT ON THE ELECTRODE

Tighten the electrode in the electrode holder. Insert the electrode and electrode holder into position “C”  in the console. Using very light pressure feed the electrode in until it contacts the grinding wheel. Remove and check for desired tip-flat.

SETTING THE GRINDING ANGLE

FOR GRINDING ANGLES UP TO 25° (50° included angle)

Set the clear plastic “T” on the face of the machine to the desired position by placing the right hand side of the vertical “T” piece at the required grinding angle, tighten the retaining nut. Insert the electrode into the collet in the electrode holder. Do not tighten.

Insert the electrode holder into position “B” of the console. Push the electrode holder in as far as it will go, ensuring the electrode contacts the Plastic “T” piece at the desired angle. Tighten the electrode in the electrode holder by turning the knurled brass end of the electrode holder.
 
FOR GRINDING ANGLES GREATER THAN 25° (50° + INCLUDED ANGLE)

Requires the optional 1” [25.4mm] long brass bushing

The plastic T piece is not used for this operation. Loosen nut and move the plastic “T” piece all the way to the left. Re-tighten the retaining nut.

Insert electrode in the electrode holder collet. Do not tighten. Slide the 1” (25.4mm) brass bushing onto the electrode holder until it stops against the shoulder of the electrode holder.

Insert the electrode holder with the bushing and electrode into position “B” shown in. Push it in as far as it will go. With the electrode loose in the electrode holder, set the end of the electrode in line with the desired grind angle and tighten the electrode holder by twisting the knurled brass end of the electrode holder.

SETTING THE GRINDING POSITION

The degree scale on the front of the grinder coincides with the grinding wheel in the grinding chamber. The bottom of the tungsten electrode must be set to align with the edge of the degree scale where it registers the desired grinding angle.

Alignment is set by changing the height of the console with the regulating screw. Turning the screw clockwise will lower the console. Turning the screw counter-clockwise will raise the console.

GRINDING THE TUNGSTEN ELECTRODE

With the power switch is in the OFF position plug in the grinder. Move the power switch to the ON position. Remove the electrode holder assembly, with the electrode tightened in place from position “B” and insert it into position “A”.

While rotating the holder, use light pressure to feed the electrode into the grinding chamber so that it contacts the grinding wheel. Continue to rotate the holder using light pressure against the grinding wheel until the grinding operation is complete. This is indicated by the shoulder on the electrode holder (or spacer piece) contacting the console.

When the grinding operation is complete, remove the holder and electrode from the machine with a slight rotating motion. This will remove any excess grinding fluid from the electrode.

MAINTENANCE

MAINTAINING THE GRINDING FLUID

The ArcTime™ LTG should always be filled with sufficient grinding fluid. This ensures optimum dust collection and adequate cooling of the diamond wheel. The correct level is between the MIN and MAX indicators on the inspection cover frame. Check the fluid level regularly and top up as necessary. Only the original type grinding fluid will ensure maximum grind quality and wheel life.

Periodically, the grinding fluid should be drained off into a suitable, sealed container, through hose (it may be necessary to rotate the grinder onto its side to remove all of the fluid). If your grinder is equipped with the optional reservoir, remove and clean reservoir after draining fluid from main chamber. Refill reservoir with new grinding fluid and install. Refill the grind chamber to the MAX indicator line.

CAUTION: When performing this procedure tag the grinder so that it will not be operated without fluid!

Contaminated fluid should be placed in a suitable container and disposed of according to the standards set by your local authorities.

CLEANING THE GRINDING CHAMBER

After approximately 6 to 10 hours of operation the grinding chamber should be cleaned. Personnel performing this operation should wear the necessary protective equipment.

Drain all grinding fluid through hose into a suitable container and dispose of properly (it will be necessary to rotate the grinder onto its side to remove all of the fluid). Remove screws , inspection cover frame and plastic inspection cover. Clean out the grinding chamber and rinse with clean grinding fluid.  If your grinder is equipped with the optional reservoir, remove and clean the reservoir bottle. Refill with grinding fluid and install.

Retain all grinding residue and fluid in a suitable container and dispose of according to the standards set by your local authorities.

Replace the inspection cover assembly and fill the grinding chamber to the proper level with fluid. Check the cover area for leaks before grinding.

REPLACING THE GRINDING WHEEL

Set the power switch to the OFF position and unplug the grinder from the power source before beginning this operation.

Drain off all of the grinding fluid through hose  (as specified in “Maintaining The Grinding Fluid) and retain it is a suitable container. Remove screws inspection cover frame  and plastic inspection cover . With one hand, hold the outer diameter of the grinding wheel and use an allen wrench to loosen the retaining screw . Remove screw  and retainerThe grinding wheel  can then be removed.

A new electrode seal  should be installed when replacing the Grinding wheel. Follow the instructions for “REPLACING THE ELECTRODE SEAL.”

Install the new grinding wheel, the retainer and the screw. Use only hand pressure on the outer diameter of the grinding wheel and tighten the screw.

Replace the inspection cover assembly and refill the grinder to the proper level with the approved grinding fluid.

REPLACING THE ELECTRODE SEAL

The ArcTime™ LTG uses a foam seal in the wall of the grinding chamber. The seal prevents grinding fluid from leaking from the grinding chamber, and wipes excess grinding fluid from the tungsten electrode as it is removed.

With use, the seal will wear and may allow leakage of the grinding fluid. If this occurs, the seal must be replaced.

To change the seal first remove the vertical console  on the right side of the grinder. The seal is located in a recess in the wall of the grinding chamber and must be completely removed. Thoroughly clean the recess so that the new seal will seat properly.

Coat the outside of the new seal with the waterproof sealer provided. Install the new seal with the small clip on the inner face in the 6 o’clock (bottom) position. Push the seal firmly into the recess until the clip engages on the inner wall of the grinding chamber. The vertical console is then replaced and the bosses on the seal should contact the side of the console.