Super wide etching on Aluminum!

[DisWeld]

Hey Trackmaster let me know if the new board works for you. I have a 250ex and it does not fall under any of the listed serial numbers and I have to have my machine balance turned all the way down and I still get a really wide etching effect. I have the same problem with the balance that once it goes any higher than about 10:00, my tungsten just disintegrates. Let me know how it goes.

[trackmaster]

I will Dis, ..... looking forward to seeing how the extra 20% negative electrode fairs, in regard to the etching. It's seriously my ONLY complaint with the unit. It just welds beautifuly in just about every other respect! And again what a GREAT value. Very close to being a giant killer!

[DisWeld]

It is a great machine. Ive had mine for a couple of months a yeas the machine can lay down beautiful welds. The only problem i really had with the machine were the unorthodox fittings on the water cooler so i bought some 5/8"-18 LH fittings for a coolmate and replaced them with those so I can use my other torches interchangeably on the machine. I also rewired an old ThermalDyn foot pedal because i just couldnt get used to the pedal that came with the machine. Thats all minor in comparison to how well the machine performs.

[trackmaster]

Yeah, really reaaly good arc stability! A little pre flow, and the arc starts just beautifully! No pre, and it's a bit forceful of a start. Just FYI for someone just starting out. Or ya can just hit the pedal with the torch away from the work piece and use enough post flow to give ya time to get into position and start the arc before the post flow stops again, but again thats one thing pre flow is there for, so use it, ha!

I do have to say I may have a bit of trepidation whether or not the new board with the additional 20% or so Electrode negative capability, will significantly affect the etching (cleaning) width. It just seems to me that even at 30-ish EP, that it should be much narrower. Based on other welders that are auto and of much less range anyway, and adjustable balance machines that are limited to about 30-90. On either of them i can achieve a much narrower etch path, .... ?? Oh well, fingers crossed and hoping for the best!!

[performance]

Trackmaster,

Never had any complaints before this issue...I have had one myself and haven't had that issue. As someone else said....you have to get below 30% to get rid of the etching for most welders.

[trackmaster]

As always Mark I take your word as a welding authority, and don't doubt what you say. But just so I am clear, you are saying that your (past or present) 250 does or did not have consistantly wide etching such that if you combined both sides, they would be wider than the weld bead itself?

[performance]

Trackmaster...

Take a look here....

http://www.weldingtipsandtricks.com/...-settings.html

This is a current series unit. Of course watch the whole series and you'll see a lot more.

[trackmaster]

Here's a few pics, .... i hope! Of what i am getting in spite of trying, checking, six ways from sunday. Excuse the welds, just throwing some beads down, and actually got stung by a bee on one boating marine part in the next post! Ouch!

[performance]

As always Mark I take your word as a welding authority, and don't doubt what you say. But just so I am clear, you are saying that your (past or present) 250 does or did not have consistantly wide etching such that if you combined both sides, they would be wider than the weld bead itself?

I answered your question on this trackmaster by referring you to this video. You wanted to be clear...that's about as clear as I can make it. It gives you visual proof. Not trying to insinuate anything. As far as polishing on anodized aluminum, it is common to paint over the welds with silver rustoleum instead of polishing because the oxidation will return otherwise, and it will match fairly well.