From unboxing to your first bead.

Everything you need to get started with your Thorworx welder, in the order you'll need it.

New to welding? Read the safety guidelines before you plug in.

Initial setup

From the box to plugged in.

Unbox and inspect for shipping damage. Report any issues within 48 hours.
Place the machine on a stable, dry, well-ventilated surface away from flammable materials.
Connect the ground clamp and the MIG torch or electrode holder to the terminals for your process. Polarity changes by process (flux-core runs the opposite way to MIG with gas), so check the polarity chart in Getting Started.
For dual-voltage models: confirm your outlet matches 110V or 220V before plugging in. Use the correct plug adapter if needed.
Install the correct wire spool and drive rollers for your wire size (MIG models).

Wire, gas and settings for MIG and flux-core.

Thread welding wire through the drive rollers and into the MIG torch until it protrudes 10–15 mm from the contact tip.
Set wire feed speed and voltage according to the material thickness chart in your user manual.
Connect shielding gas (75/25 Argon/CO₂ mix recommended for mild steel). Set the flow rate to 15–20 CFH.
For gasless (flux-core) welding: switch polarity to DCEN (electrode negative) and use flux-core wire.
Always run a test bead on scrap material before starting your project.

Electrodes, amperage and technique.

Insert the electrode into the electrode holder and secure it firmly.
Set amperage based on electrode diameter: 6013 (3/32") = 60–90A, 7018 (1/8") = 90–140A.
Use DCEP (electrode positive) for most electrodes. Check the electrode packaging for polarity recommendations.
Maintain a consistent arc length equal to the electrode diameter.
Travel at a steady pace. If the puddle gets too wide, increase travel speed.

04 · Read first

Read these before you strike an arc.

Always wear a welding helmet (auto-darkening shade 9–13 recommended), leather gloves, and flame-resistant clothing.
Work in a well-ventilated area or use fume extraction when welding indoors.
Never weld on containers that have held flammable substances.
Keep a fire extinguisher rated for Class ABC within reach at all times.
Inspect cables, clamps, and connectors before each use. Replace any damaged components immediately.
Disconnect power before changing wire or electrodes, or performing any maintenance.

How long you can weld, and what happens when it gets hot.

All Thorworx machines feature automatic thermal overload protection.
Duty cycle is rated at 60% at maximum output. For example: weld for 6 minutes, rest for 4 minutes at full power.
At lower amperages, duty cycle increases. Most users can weld continuously at 60–70% power.
Keep the ventilation slots unobstructed for the best cooling performance.

A few minutes of care that keeps the machine running.

Blow out the interior with compressed air every 50 hours of use to remove dust and metal particles.
Check and replace contact tips when burn-back or an erratic arc occurs (MIG models).
Inspect drive rollers for wear and set the tension correctly: too tight damages the wire, too loose causes feed issues.
Store in a dry location. Moisture can damage internal electronics and cause premature component failure.
Keep the warranty card Thorworx sends you, with its unique serial number, together with your original invoice. You need both to make a warranty claim.

Our technical support team is available Monday through Friday, 7am–5pm EST.