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I went to weld aluminum last night the HF works but will not start the arc. I use the plasma alot and had an aluminum job come in.
It will weld in DC. I tried both the pedal and torch switch. I tried switching from 2t to 4t I tried every knob and switch every which way. I can hear the argon flowing through the torch. The gap on the hf points seem to be good. Good ground, No loose connections. Im stumped at this point any other ideas?
Thanks
Kevin
Do you get any arc at all? Are you getting a HF arc?
When you say the points seem good. What are the set at to make you say that?
Turn off the pulse, all green knobs off, set the AC (yellows) left at 2 o'clock right knob at 10 o'clock. AC mode and TIG mode and 2T, no pdeal. Torch in the negative side. Do you get HF (like Marl asked), if you strike the metal or get real close) do you get an arc?
yes I get the hf arc it will arc a good 3/4 of an inch off of the work surface but will not start the welding arc.
I just went out at did the setting you suggested Mike and they didnt change anything.
I figure that gap is good because it the points are straight and I can see a really good arc from them and from the torch.
Did it work with aluminum before and just stopped? Point about .030? If it worked before, I would run the amp knob all the way up and make sure it stops at 250amps. If so, call in for support, something is not right.Quote:
Originally Posted by joop
You can ohm out the work piece clamp, but it is a pretty think wire. No return (clamp) would cause that too. Make sure it has a good connection.
I have welded aluminum before yes but not for awhile. I checked the gap it was at .032 I set it to .030. No change.
I cranked the amps and it goes to 255.
The ground is good.
I bought this in 2010 and I think my warranty was up earlier this month.
Best thing to do it call in tomorrow for tech support while at the machine and someone can walk you through everything. Let them no the model and it works in DC, not in AC mode on aluminum.
Check list for more testing before the call.
2T, AC mode, TIG mode selected, turn off pulse and all green knobs but maybe some post flow. torch in the minus, clamp on good and close the welding area. Sure you have already done it, but worth re-checking.
ok ill see if I can. I work till 4:30 and get home around 5:30
Thanks for trying to sort this out.
Try flipping the ac-cut-dc switch through its operations a few times you me have a bad switch. Does it weld AC stick?
Sorry seems I merged 2 switches together (AC/DC) and (HF/CUT/STICK) anyway flip the switch to see if it’s working correctly or not working.