FergalFarty
Member
- Messages
- 203
- Location
- Bristol
Incoming newbie question. When I first switch on the arc on my HF start machine (80A, 1.6mm red tungsten, 2mm mild steel) I sometimes get a blindingly bright arc that is too bright for my auto-darkening helmet (cheap from ebay). This only seems to happen when the machine is cold and stops happening after a few arc strikes and then everything is ok.
I don't think it's a problem with my helmet as this issue goes away after a few minutes, also I'm not dipping the tungsten as I always touch down then pull back 2-3mm before starting the arc. Besides, when I have dipped part way through a weld, it doesn't result in this blinding flash. Another reason to suspect the TIG machine is that I've never had this problem when using the same helmet with my stick welder.
Am I doing something wrong, or is there a problem with my machine that causes this?
Thanks
Fergal
I don't think it's a problem with my helmet as this issue goes away after a few minutes, also I'm not dipping the tungsten as I always touch down then pull back 2-3mm before starting the arc. Besides, when I have dipped part way through a weld, it doesn't result in this blinding flash. Another reason to suspect the TIG machine is that I've never had this problem when using the same helmet with my stick welder.
Am I doing something wrong, or is there a problem with my machine that causes this?
Thanks
Fergal