peej410 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 hey guys, i just aquired an older IDEALARC 250 lincoln TIG, im having some trouble with the arc starting intermittently, sometimes you have to touch the tungsten to the work to get the process going other times you dont. i was wondering if any hybridZers had heard of any problems like this. also, im worried that my household 220 current isnt clean enough, the TIG really doesnt act like the one that we have at the shop i work at, (an old hobart) but the hobart is squarewave. is squarewave different enough that i would (being somewhat inexperienced) notice the difference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 You have an older welder without a high frequency option. To get the arc started you can try one of two things: Lift Start Touch the electrode to the work, hit the pedal and lift up about 1/8". Scratch Start Hit the pedal with the electrode about 1/16" from the work then scratch it lightly across the surface for about 1/8" and then lift up 1/8" Both techniques above require practice. And yes, there's a big difference between an older sine wave machine like you have and one with a square wave power supply. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peej410 Posted January 24, 2006 Author Share Posted January 24, 2006 sounds easy enough! ill try it out in a little while. would the fact that its only 30 degrees in my garage effect it also ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Temperature shouldn't affect start but you might get some condensation (water) affecting the weld. If possible, try and warm the metal up to about 60 degrees. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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