Lincoln 180 ac/dc tig

[mick robinson]

ha so iv got my new socket fitted into my workshop for my new tig welder fired it up it welds lovelly in dc unfortunatly in ac its a different story it does arc up and to a certain extent it does melt the filler wire but its not actually melting the aluminium at all anybody any ideas on what the cause may be please

 

[Jim Davey]

How thick is the metal you are trying to weld?

 

[Richard.]

ha so iv got my new socket fitted into my workshop for my new tig welder fired it up it welds lovelly in dc unfortunatly in ac its a different story it does arc up and to a certain extent it does melt the filler wire but its not actually melting the aluminium at all anybody any ideas on what the cause may be please

Could this be more of a setting up and technique problem rather than a machine issue? Wack up the current and strike up with a tight short arc. Don't go anywhere near it with a filler rod until a puddle is formed. 180 amp unit is on its limit for puddle forming on 5-6mm Cold Alu plate.