Inverter Foxweld Master 202 - characteristics and operating features

The country of manufacture of the welding inverter model Foxweld Master 202 is China. This device can be used to perform work both in open areas protected only by a canopy, and in rooms where fire safety requirements are met.

Welding inverter Foxweld Master 202 fully equipped

The conversion and regulation of the electric current received at the output of this device is based on the inverter principle. As a result, such a device generates direct current with the required parameters, which allows you to create high-quality, reliable and accurate welded joints.

High reliability, as well as ease of operation and maintenance of the Foxweld inverter model Master 202 are explained by the fact that its electrical circuit has only one power board on which replaceable modules are installed.

The inverter can operate in a fairly wide range of supply voltage - from 187 to 253 V (220 V ± 15%). This is very important, given the frequent power surges in domestic power grids. The welding current obtained at the output of the inverter can be adjusted within the range of 20–200 A, which makes it possible to use electrodes with a diameter of 1.6–5 mm.

The no-load voltage of the Master 202 inverter is 62 V, and the rated operating voltage it creates corresponds to 28 V. At a maximum welding current of 200 A and at an ambient temperature of +25 degrees Celsius, the duration of continuous operation of the device is 60%.

The manufacturer has provided this inverter with a fairly high efficiency, which is 80%. Welding inverter Master model 202 has a degree of protection IP23, is quite light in weight (8 kg) and compact dimensions (370x150x230 mm).

Photo of the plate with the technical parameters of the device

Ease of use, reliability of the inverter in question and the possibility of obtaining high-quality welded joints with its help are provided by a number of additional options.

• The “Anti-stick” function provides for stopping the supply of current to the welding arc at the moment when the electrode is welded (sticks) to the surface of the parts being connected. After the electrode is disconnected from the workpieces being processed, the supply of welding current is automatically resumed.
• The “Hot Start” function provides an automatic increase in current strength at the moment the welding arc is ignited, greatly facilitating this process.
• The “Arc Force” function is responsible for automatically increasing the welding current when the length of the welding arc decreases too much, which almost completely eliminates the risk of electrode sticking.
• The inverter circuit contains elements of automatic thermal protection.
• The Foxweld welding inverter model Master 202 can be connected to autonomous sources of electric current - gasoline and diesel generators.
• The device circuit includes a device that automatically turns off the inverter at the moment when the voltage surge in the network reaches a critical value. With such power surges, the equipment begins to get very hot and may even burn out, which is why the manufacturer has provided for its automatic shutdown. At the moment when such a shutdown occurs, a yellow warning lamp on the front of the device lights up. The fan continues to operate, cooling the inside of the inverter. Once the mains voltage reaches its standard value, the warning light will go out and the equipment will be ready for use again.

Indicator switch for overvoltage protection

foxweld master 202 price.

Welding current wires

This device belongs to the middle budget class. On average, the price ranges from 17,100-1,800 rubles in the online store. Read the short description below and also watch the video review.

Forced cooling fan

foxweld master 202 reviews

Having read the experience of people who have used this device, they recommend it as a good long-lasting inverter. But nevertheless, there are also disadvantages: a short cable that becomes dull at low temperatures and bursts, an inconvenient holder. The device could withstand operation at -25 °C. Workers prefer this device to Resante, as it works better and is softer. Master 202 is one of the most popular inverters in Russia. In the first days of operation, users are satisfied with the performance of the device, characterizing it as a fairly high-quality Chinese product that is worth the money. Works well with three and four millimeter electrodes. Some people complain about the short arc of the device, but this can be attributed to the inexperience of users. Typically, workers use the device for years and it serves them well in their summer cottages and in the development of small businesses. The Foxweld 202 inverter belongs to the Italian Foxweld, but all parts and equipment are assembled in China, undergoing three-stage testing. In Russia, the equipment has all the necessary certificates.

Inverter appearance

How to properly connect an inverter

Before you start using the device , you must check all included components for integrity. Using an external inspection, check the integrity of the power cables and the grounding cable. Make sure that the cables are securely connected to the device. Inspect the fan; there should be no blockages or unnecessary objects in it. If work takes place indoors, it is necessary to ensure a constant flow of fresh air.

After switching on, under no circumstances should you cover the device with any materials, especially those with a dense structure. There may be cases when, for some reason, the power wires fail, wear out, or disappear altogether. To make new ones, you will definitely need to select the cross-section of the conductive parts of the wire. If the length of the wires is less than 5 meters, the cross-section must be at least 16 squares. If you want to increase the length of the power wires, choose a cross-section of 25 squares.

Do not reverse the polarity of the rods before connecting (the polarity is indicated in the instructions for them). The grounding clamp is marked “minus”, and the electrical holder clamp is marked “plus”. The grounding clamp should be located as close as possible to the work site.

Be sure to check the mains voltage , whether it is coming to the inverter and what value it is. There is an indication on the welder panel, and the power indicator indicates the device is ready for operation.

After all the necessary checks, we switch the switch to arc welding mode (MMA toggle switch). Afterwards, you need to select the amount of current necessary and sufficient to carry out welding work under the given conditions and requirements.

Upon completion of welding work, be sure to turn off the device and remove the working rod from the clamps.

The master 202 welding machine is capable of operating in DC argon arc welding mode or so-called TIG welding. This requires special tungsten electrodes and a number of actions:

1. Attach the grounding wire to the part to be worked on.
2. Attach the cable from the burner to the negative contact.
3. Connect the hose to an argon cylinder through a reducer to regulate the gas supply pressure.

For different currents of work, it is necessary to select a certain diameter of tungsten rods. Moreover, the greater the current, the larger the cross-section of the rod should be. At currents from 10 to 200 A, the diameter of the rod should be 2 mm, 60-150 A - 1.6 mm, and up to 80 A - 1 mm.

The ignition of the arc occurs after the rod comes into contact with the part and is gradually withdrawn from the part. Next comes the actual welding. The work is stopped by increasing the distance between the torch and the workpiece, while the gas supply is turned off 5-6 seconds after welding is completed.

foxweld master 202: inverter made in China.

The foxweld master 202 inverter weighs about 8 kg. The device is used for surfacing and stick electrode welding using direct current. Like similar models, foxweld master is distinguished by high efficiency, economical energy consumption, and stable arc burning. Can be used both outdoors and indoors while maintaining safety rules.

The foxweld master 202 welding inverter has several operating modes, which will allow you to perform any type of work from minor repairs to professional needs.

The foxweld master 202 welding machine also has a set of additional accessories.

Rules for connecting and using the device

Before you start working with the Foxweld inverter model Master 202, you need to check it for serviceability and the absence of serious mechanical damage to the case. The equipment must be installed on a flat surface. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure that no objects limit access to the fresh air necessary to ensure effective ventilation. For the same reason, you should not cover the inverter with any material.

The standard power cable supplied with the Foxweld Master 202 inverter has a cross-section of 16 mm2. If you need to replace it with a wire more than 5 meters long, then the cross-section of such a wire must be at least 25 mm2. Neglecting this recommendation leads to significant voltage losses.

Welding cable extension for inverter

Most often, the Foxweld inverter is used to perform welding using MMA (manual arc) technology. For this device, electrodes for both direct and alternating current, with any type of coating, can be used.

To prepare Master 202 for welding using this technology, perform the following steps.

• Connect the power cable and ground cable to the corresponding connectors on the device body.
• Electrode manufacturers recommend connecting the power cable to the positive connector, and the ground cable to the negative connector. Make sure that the cables do not come into contact with each other.
• The ground cable, which should have the minimum possible length, must be securely connected to the parts to be welded, for which a special clamp is used.
• Make sure that the voltage in the supply electrical network is within the limits specified by the Master 202 manufacturer. It is also necessary to check that the circuit breakers are designed for the current that the welding machine will consume.
• After completing all the preparatory steps, you can connect the Master 202 to the electrical network and turn on the toggle switch on the rear panel. If everything is done correctly, the network indicator on the front panel will light up.
• After turning on the inverter, you need to select the type of welding (MMA), for which a special switch is used, and also set the required value of the welding current, focusing on the diameter of the electrode and the characteristics of the welded joint.
• After welding is completed, the device turns off in the reverse order.

Device description: FoxWeld Master 202 front panel

Front panel with display and switch off switch

• Reliability of equipment, possibility of autonomous use;
• slight metal spattering;
• forced cooling system;
• there is an anti-stick function for the electrode so that it does not stick to the base metal;
• there is a “Hot Start” option for quickly obtaining an arc;
• “ARC FORCE” function for stable arc burning;
• resistance to high humidity;

On the front side of the device there is a special a yellow lamp that lights up when the voltage in the network changes; if the protection is triggered, the device will be turned off for a while.

Functionality

The welding inverter Master 202 is equipped with many useful and modern functions. They provide ease of use, which affects the production of high-quality and strong seams.

Front panel of the inverter Master 202

This device has the following functions:

• Anti-stick. It stops the flow of current in cases where the electrode sticks to the surface to be welded. At the moment, a short circuit is created, which negatively affects the further operation of the device, so the function helps maintain functionality for a long time. When the circuit opens, the current supply to the electrode is automatically turned on, and welding can continue.
• Hot start. This function increases the current level at those moments when the arc is ignited.
• Forced arc. Promotes an increase in current strength when the welding arc becomes smaller in size. This helps prevent sticking and continues to create a seamless seam. Thanks to this, the parameters remain more stable during operation.
• Automatic shutdown function when the temperature rises critically. It helps protect the device from overheating so that it does not break under high loads.
• The equipment can be connected to autonomous power sources, such as generators.
• The Master 202 inverter welding machine circuit contains an automatic shutdown system. It triggers if a high voltage is applied to it, above the permissible voltage. If a surge occurs, this system helps to avoid negative consequences. The fact that this particular function worked, and the device did not break, is indicated by a burning yellow light located on the device body. When the voltage returns to normal, the lamp goes out and you can continue working.

Specifications:

Idle speed is 59 volts, welding current is adjustable over wide intervals (from 20 to 200 amperes).

To operate, you need a mains voltage of 210-255V, minimum value 180V. This device received excellent arc ignition, a good appearance of the weld, a uniform droplet shape, and good current characteristics. This is achieved thanks to the operation of power modules at a purity of more than 80 kilohertz, where the response value does not exceed 500 milliseconds. Without emergency on. Foxweld Master 202 at the maximum welding current (200 amperes) is 60%.

Advantages of foxweld master 202, Italy:

Equipped with forced ventilation of all components

• there is thermal protection
• electronic scoreboard
• slots for hot air are made
• There is a 140 mm fan in the rear.
• robust housing
• rubberized plastic handle
• smooth adjustment of welding current, easily adjusted by switch
• budget solution
• The device is turned off with the front toggle switch
• the display does not change its readings, as for example on Resant (the values ​​remain unchanged during the process)

Minuses:

1. heavy weight -8 kg.
2. uncomfortable grip;
3. a short cable that breaks at sub-zero temperatures;

External device of the welding inverter:

The standard rectangular inverter shape is limited to a metal casing with air openings. On the front side there is a panel for regulating the welding process, and there are also all the necessary indicators. It is convenient to carry the device thanks to a special rubberized handle.

Master Problems 202

If you notice any changes in the operation of the device, for example, the light does not light up, you should stop working immediately.

• if the circuit breaker fuse is turned off, the automatic plugs on the electrical panel should be replaced with a value of 25-35 amperes;
• if the foxweld master 202 inverter begins to emit a burning smell, it should be turned off immediately and taken for repair;
• if your electrode often sticks, you should increase the current;
• If the arc does not light up, but the fan and green signal are working, you should check the welding current regulator (position OA).

You should beware of various fakes foxweld master 202

since this can lead to bad consequences. Always use original equipment, not counterfeits. This will save you money and health

Recommendations for using an inverter for gas shielded welding

The manufacturer of the Foxweld inverter model Master 202 has provided the possibility of using it for welding performed in a shielding gas environment (TIG). This welding is performed using direct current, and a non-consumable electrode is used to create the welding arc. The circuit of this device does not contain an oscillator, so the welding arc is ignited by touch. You cannot connect an external oscillator to a device of this model, as this may lead to failure of the inverter.

It must be borne in mind that the Foxweld Master 202 inverter is designed for welding performed using MMA technology, so you should be prepared for the fact that the non-consumable electrode will become very hot (this is due to the increased arc voltage).

TIG welding parameters

Preparing the device for welding using TIG technology and its implementation is carried out in the following sequence.

• The cable through which electric current is supplied to the welding torch is connected to the negative connector, and the ground cable to the positive connector.
• The workpiece cable is securely connected to the parts to be welded using a special clamp.
• To supply shielding gas to the welding zone, a special hose is used, which connects the welding torch and the reducer on the gas cylinder. After securely fixing both ends of the hose, open the valve on the gas cylinder and adjust the gas pressure using the reducer. To supply gas directly to the welding zone, a valve located on the welding torch is used.
• It is necessary to fix a non-consumable electrode in the clamp of the welding torch (thoriated tungsten rods are usually used), the diameter of which is selected depending on the value of the welding current: up to 80 A - 1 mm; up to 150 A – 1.6 mm; up to 200 A – 2 mm. The magnitude of the welding current also determines the sharpening angle of the electrode tip: up to 30 A - 300; up to 120 A – 60–900; up to 200 A – 90–1200.

• It is necessary to check that the voltage in the electrical network is within the range specified by the manufacturer of the Master 202. It is also necessary to check the parameters of the machine installed in the electrical panel: it must withstand the current that the welding machine will consume.
• The inverter should be connected to the electrical network using a power cable. The device itself is turned on using a toggle switch located on the rear panel. At the same time, the network indicator on the front panel should light up. — After turning on the inverter, it is necessary to set the required welding current and turn on the gas supply using the valve on the torch.
• The welding arc is ignited by touching the electrode to the surface of the parts being connected and then withdrawing it.
• After the weld is formed, the arc is extinguished by moving the electrode away from the surface of the parts. After extinguishing the arc, you should not immediately turn off the supply of shielding gas; you must wait a few seconds.
• When the welding work is completed, the inverter turns off and the gas supply is shut off using the valve on the cylinder.

Example of welds made with a Foxweld inverter model Master 202

Electrical diagram foxweld master202

PSU circuit foxweld master202

Block diagram foxweld master 202

General electrical diagram foxweld master202

Advantages and disadvantages

The welding inverter FoxWeld Master 202 has the following advantages:

• Relatively light weight, since for a device with such parameters 9 kg is a completely acceptable value.
• Continuous operation at maximum parameters can be carried out 60% of the time. Considering that they are not always used, at lower currents the continuous operation time becomes longer.
• The ability to use electrodes up to 5 mm, which covers the entire range of intended work.
• Affordable price.
• Simplicity and reliability of design.
• The presence of several important functional additions.

As with many other devices, there are some disadvantages here, which are manifested in the following:

• The design does not provide a belt, which creates problematic moments during use.
• The cables included in the kit lose their elasticity at low temperatures.
• The standard holder does not meet high quality standards, so it has to be changed immediately, and the cable turns out to be too short.
• Has a high noise level.