Completing a lift TIG weld

[warby12]

Hi, I can arc weld and just bought a lift TIG welder. I know it's not fancy but I'm already very happy with it. There is no switch on the handle and I have no problem scratch starting it but I'm wondering what is the best way to end the weld, break the arc but still have post flow of gas? I just sort of flick the handle away from the metal and back for a bit of gas flow but it seems very clumsy. I guess I could grope around for the amp control and turn it right down and still let the gas flow, is there a trick?

 

[justmental]

take a look at this video at 4 mins in it explains with using a bit of copper to come off on to to maintain gas coverage over the weld.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3MMVzNKiDw

 

[carlos420uk]

Never used a lift arc machine myself but you mention scratch starting it?
As far as I know lift arc was first introduced by Miller as a way of starting an arc without the need for HF (which some jobs are sensitive to - ie HF is not suitable), and without the Tungsten contamination issues associated with scratch start?

My understanding was that you touch the tungsten to the work, then without scratching you simply lift to your desired arc gap and the arc should initiate.
I also assumed these machines had a trigger to start the lift arc feature and to end the weld and allow some post flow. Whereas your machine doesn't have any kind of switch? Does it have a post flow setting or is it auto dependant on amperage?

This might be a silly idea so take it with a pinch of salt as in still new to this myself, but couldnt a heavy duty switch that could be operated by your foot be installed in the earth lead to cut the return but thus still allowing the gas to flow and shield at the end of the weld?

Some more info on your machine would probably get more useful replies.

Cheers.

 

[Tigman]

My Thermal Arc Inverter scratch Tig , has a knob to turn the gas on , while the gas is flowing you scratch start the arc , when you finish and lift the torch the arc stops the gas is still flowing till you turn the gas off via the knob , post gas as long as you hold the torch in place ! hope that makes sense !

 

[warby12]

Hi guys, Thanks I'm already learning heaps. That video showed my I don't even need to scratch because I bought a lift tig welder! (what a dope) that's a much easier start. I also love the idea of copper at either end, specially for the finish as I can get a neat end with post flow. I tried lifting it directly up and away but it flared out heaps. Flicking it away and back can't be good for gas coverage and someitmes it made an arc again.

I like the idea of a foor switch to turn and off too but I reckon I'll play with this one as long as possible and save up for a proper TIG welder. The one I have is this:

http://gettoolsdirect.com.au/cigweld-w1002901-170-amp-inverter-welder-inc-tig-kit-and-regulator.html

 

[dannymac]

You could make a foot control for the gas easy.

 

[crj007]

I'm new to tig so please excuse my ignorance. I've just looked at the video showing how to end the weld with a lift start machine. I get it you come onto the copper but when you do this how do you extinguish the arc yet maintain post flow as you will have moved away from the end of the weld???