Tungston flaring up.

[redmule1154]

Hello the newbie again. I got a handle on the flow meter issue thanks to you guys. I set the flow to 20 CFM and when I started to weld the torch would keep flaring up very brightly. Is 20 CFM the proper setting or do I have a totally different issue going on here. I need to get a good manual for GTAW. Thanks
Redmule1154

[B_C]

I'm assuming you have a WP-20 torch ? 20 CFH is a bit high (I use 10- to 15 depending on the draft) It sounds like you have your selector set on DC+ that would be my first guess with out more info.......Lets see a pic of the tungsten. Are you sure you have gas flow at the torch?

[redmule1154]

You can certainly hear the gas comming from the torch.
The tungston gets red hot when it flares up. I have not switched any switches on the unit except the on and off switch. The unit was working okay prior to today when I was setting the flow meter

[B_C]

what are you welding? How is the machine set? DC-? AC? what tungsten is being used, size, amp setting? not enough info

[redmule1154]

16 ga stainless steel 304 2b finish

[B_C]

16 ga stainless steel 304 2b finish

Post pictures.........

[redmule1154]

Well the welder is set on DC at 125 amp with foot control.
rightafter I stike an arc it goes into a bright yellow light almost a flame. I really can't take photos of that. Besides I'm not up on downloading pictures to this site.
Redmule 1154

[Zrexxer]

Are you using anything besides 100% Argon?

[SundownIII]

Sounds like he's got his machine set to DC+.

Good for balling a tungsten, but not much for welding at 125A.

[Krunch]

Sounds like he's got his machine set to DC+.

I've made that mistake.

After I had been stick welding with DCEP on my Syncrowave 250, I forgot to switch back to DCEN for TIG welding. I stepped down on the pedal at around 150A and the tungsten basically vaporized. Made a big POP! and pellets of molten metal (tungsten?) went flying, along with pieces of broken gas cup.

Redmule, you said you wanted a GTAW manual. There's a good one available online if you click here.

Good luck and let us know what turns out to be the problem.

[Pmcdaniel]

You know i have encountered the the same thing. I had the machine set up correctly and the proper gas flow. I thought it was my auto darking hood battery going bad. Still don't know or understand the cause. Anybody out there have the same experience?
Thanks

[whateg0]

I get stuff like that once in awhile. Usually at the most in-opportune time, it seems. It just acts like I've got the heat WAY up for a moment. In that time, it has blown a huge hole in the material. Doesn't seem to hurt the tungsten when it happens, though. Then, I step back, cuss a lot, start the weld again, and it's fine. Gas is flowing. I had this happen to me when using my friends PT225 and my cheap inverter, so it must be me. My inverter is scratch start, if it matters. I can't see any difference in what I'm doing when it starts fine and when it doesn't.

Dave