homemade TIG upgrade??

[nikita]

I have a dc arc welder which I converted to TIG (scratch start) as i read elsewhere in this forum. I managed to do nice welds but the starting process is really punishing to get right.
What are the options to get HF starting performance ? I intend to build something myself, if possible but I do not have any explanatory circuit diagrams....Alzo I have read about circuitry involving transformers to increase voltage output.
Which one do you suggest?? I would appreciate if someone would share some instructions..thanks in advance

 

[Drains]

Have you tried starting off a piece of carbon yet? (motor brush, for instance).

 

[nikita]

thanks for your tip, I'll try that as soon as I can

 

[shenion]

Keep an eye out for HF start units on ebay. They come up from time to time relatively cheap.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

there's a link somewhere to a site on the net where the guy's built a plasma cutter...

would a HF start for a plasma be similar to a HF start for a TIG?

If so, it could be possible to re-use that part of the circuit.

Regards
Peter

 

[shenion]

The HF start for the home-built plasma generated an arc between the electrode and tip. So it was easy to do as the tip is not connected to anything.

For TIG you need to add the HF to the power going to the torch.