Keep getting a shock!

[Welderpaul]

Right, problems again!

Got the tig set up (Esab set), steel cleaned, earth right next to where i am working. My torch has a remote button on to start HF and start the gas flow. As soon as i press the button it arcs even from a good 150mm away from the steel and jumps about of the workpiece, the bench, the earth clamp and the flies on my jeans. When i get closer the arc performs as it should for a short time, but then its as if the arc starts jumping around cos i get a shock in my left hand (holding the filler rod) which causes me to swear loudly, and makes my hand feel like it's just been bashed with the hammer.
Why is it doing this - the machine, leads etc are in good order, i am only running 160 amps or so - it never used to do this.GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
(Also, when HF is on, don't put the torch next to your ear to listen for the gas. My ear hurts as well now.)

 

[shenion]

If you have a HF intensity you might turn it down.

Also, if your machine has spark gaps, check the gaps. They tend to get bigger, that raises the voltage and makes it work harder. My Airci had burned out caps ad resistor as previous owner never adjusted the gaps. Supposed to be 0.008"; I found them at 0.020"

 

[snowcat]

Right, problems again!

Got the tig set up (Esab set), steel cleaned, earth right next to where i am working. My torch has a remote button on to start HF and start the gas flow. As soon as i press the button it arcs even from a good 150mm away from the steel and jumps about of the workpiece, the bench, the earth clamp and the flies on my jeans. When i get closer the arc performs as it should for a short time, but then its as if the arc starts jumping around cos i get a shock in my left hand (holding the filler rod) which causes me to swear loudly, and makes my hand feel like it's just been bashed with the hammer.
Why is it doing this - the machine, leads etc are in good order, i am only running 160 amps or so - it never used to do this.GGGGGGGGGRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
(Also, when HF is on, don't put the torch next to your ear to listen for the gas. My ear hurts as well now.)

,

How old is the set paul? Anything made in the last 15 years or so is likely to have an electronic HF controler so no gaps, Sounds like an HF leak to me.. The thing with the ear its my favourote joke, love asking people whever they can hear gas or not

 

[Welderpaul]

Yes, it's no older than 15 years. How do i sort a HF leak?

 

[snowcat]

Depends where its leeking from watercooled torch?

Pop the sides off the case and check conections, especialy have a good look around the ceramics on the dinzie sockets.. Had a murex set do it once never did find the bugger ended up selling it on ebay.