200dx

[tsutt]

I am having hi freq starting problems. I'm trying to tack weld an alum gas tank together and i can get 6-8 tacks before it stops working. I have one of the earlier models, however the board has been replaced. Has anyone actually solved this problem? I'm getting really tired of this. The machine works great otherwise. is this a problem with the 300's also or are they not affected? if not what's the difference?

Todd

[cruizer]

Since you are taking, are you using the spot timer, are trying to quickly ramp this thing up and down on presets and since you are not getting an error, this is a process problem.

If you were to use the spot timer, which I don't think you are, you wouln't be having this problem

[tsutt]

I need to rephrase the statement. the hi freq is working but an arc won't start. I can sit there and just hold the hi freq on with the hi freq arc jumping but no welding arc. No timers. I don't think mine has a spot timer. no preset just pedal action.

Todd

[cruizer]

Perhaps the conduit has pulled out of one or the other side of your torch, HF will jump across though will be weak but no arcy arcy....

[tsutt]

If i regrind the tung. it works fine, starts instantly welds beautiful but after a few starts and stops it doesn't like to start again.

Todd

[FATFAB]

What tungsten are you using? How are you shaping it? How are you grounding the part, Is the part sitting on a steel table and the ground clamp on the table?

[tsutt]

Zirconium tung. grounded directly on the part. When i weld this thin of alum., .050 i grind to a double point so it ***** up small. Been tig welding for 28 years. if i use my 300 syncro this doesn't happen. I can weld all day without regrinding the tung. as long as i don't contaminate it. it's something in the machine i can hear it fighting in there.

Todd

[KB Fabrications]

Zirconium tung. grounded directly on the part. When i weld this thin of alum., .050 i grind to a double point so it ***** up small. Been tig welding for 28 years. if i use my 300 syncro this doesn't happen. I can weld all day without regrinding the tung. as long as i don't contaminate it. it's something in the machine i can hear it fighting in there.

Todd

The zirc tungsten could very well be your problem. That tungsten is meant for transformer style machines and tends to ball up rather quickly. That's not a good thing with an inverter like the 200DX. It is most likely causing your start-up issues. You need to use either lanthanated or ceriated and see if you don't have different results.

[tsutt]

I 'll try the ceriated, i have plenty. I just alway sliked the zirc with the 300 syncro.

Thanks
Todd

[LA Weld]

The zirc tungsten could very well be your problem. That tungsten is meant for transformer style machines and tends to ball up rather quickly. That's not a good thing with an inverter like the 200DX. It is most likely causing your start-up issues. You need to use either lanthanated or ceriated and see if you don't have different results.

Kevin, you got that one 100%, to add I believe the zirk is frosting and creating enough resistance.

The older owners manual was less than clear on what tungsten to use. Been a lotta talk over the years on this.
KB, you got newer machine, did the manuel get any better?

[KB Fabrications]

Kevin, you got that one 100%, to add I believe the zirk is frosting and creating enough resistance.

The older owners manual was less than clear on what tungsten to use. Been a lotta talk over the years on this.
KB, you got newer machine, did the manuel get any better?

Laurence, I must confess, I haven't looked at the manual except to find out how to change the settings on the new features, tungsten size and wave shapes. I will say this, the new arc start board with the pre-set tunsten parameters works flawlessly. I will have a little review with a job I am doing worked up for sometime next week.

[FusionKing]

Very little differences

The manuals are pretty much the same except for an almost obscure section on the new features...I was worried about mixing them up before I got my first machine sold.

KB...oh boy a review...I'll be watching for it.

[Bert]

I am having hi freq starting problems. I'm trying to tack weld an alum gas tank together and i can get 6-8 tacks before it stops working. I have one of the earlier models, however the board has been replaced. Has anyone actually solved this problem? I'm getting really tired of this. The machine works great otherwise. is this a problem with the 300's also or are they not affected? if not what's the difference?

Todd

you figure out the problem? was it the tungsten?
bert

[tsutt]

I haven't had a chance to get back on and try a different tung. I'll try it tonight.

Todd

[tsutt]

KB&FATFAB, Tungsten IS the ticket. Worked like a champ, flawless.

Thanks
Todd