250EX first run...

[The Tig Kid]

Finally got time to sit down and start tigging some beads. Thanks to Jody on Welding tips and tricks for his videos on the settings of this machine. After a few brain farts and some research I started producing decent beads. My only complaint so far with this machine is the noisy fan, so much for sitting down, listening to tunes and running beads.

[Paul Moir]

Good news! You'll appreciate the noisy fan when your 250EX doesn't blow it's guts out the back after a couple years. Also it makes an awesome gas saver: get in the habit of turning off the gas bottle valve when you turn off the welder.
Fun fact: There's a part used in practically all electronic devices which has a very finite lifespan. The part's lifespan decreases by a factor of 2 for each 10degC rise in temperature. And if the welder isn't on, the part will be significantly cooler.

[The Tig Kid]

set of ear phones and away I go...

[Paul Moir]

Perfect solution! If you play your cards right you can protect your ears while grinding too.

[ljdm1956]

What is the name of the part you are talking about, Paul?

[RichardH]

What is the name of the part you are talking about, Paul?

There's a generalization that electronic components double their failure rate for each 10C (18F) above 50C (122F). This figure varies by part, and some parts are designed specifically for harsh environments.

Electrolytic capacitors (the ones that look like cans, often blue) have a gel inside that's susceptible to boiling out (over temp) or drying out (if unused for years). They're probably the most sensitive component to heat.

If the temp is kept in check, leaving a device on prevents thermal stress caused by heating and cooling cycles, which is a leading cause of failure in electronics. But then you need to weigh the added lifespan vs the power bill.

Cheers,
Richard

[Paul Moir]

What is the name of the part you are talking about, Paul?

RichardH explains it just fine. It's the electrolytic capacitors I was thinking of.

Cooling in electronics is kind of like oil in engines. If you want it to last, you don't skimp.

[Blaster]

set of ear phones and away I go...

You know, I pay a Lot of attention to the sound Tig welding makes. I wouldn't want to "drown it out"...

I hold just enough of a tight arc that, as the filler is added and the puddle rises and gets too close, you "hear" the crackle start. So, there's that change in sound with each time you add. Kinda makes me feel in tune with what's going on. I'll wear plugs with high frequency (especially when reflected out of a corner) but don't want to be so isolated from what those sounds are

[pastrana#199]

You know, I pay a Lot of attention to the sound Tig welding makes. I wouldn't want to "drown it out"...

I hold just enough of a tight arc that, as the filler is added and the puddle rises and gets too close, you "hear" the crackle start. So, there's that change in sound with each time you add. Kinda makes me feel in tune with what's going on. I'll wear plugs with high frequency (especially when reflected out of a corner) but don't want to be so isolated from what those sounds are

I like to have music on in the back ground. I find I move forward much more consistently and the amount of filler I add per dip also becomes more consistent with music on because I get a better rhythm going.