Odd problem, seems to be getting worse...

[Davek0974]

R-Tech I-Mig 160, using Hobbyweld5 gas.

Welding will go almost silent and arc will sort of flame-out, turns into a bright flame instead of arc??

You can see the wire going in but the weld sounds bad and result is crappy, messy weld, sometimes with black soot deposit.

Its a pretty new bottle of gas, sent the last one back as the welds were getting messy, could it be gas related again???

 

[Welderpaul]

Probably the wire feed becoming erratic.

Dodgy spool/worn or dirty liner/knackered tip/twisted torch lead etc etc

 

[Davek0974]

Thanks, i'll change the tip, shroud and give the lead a blow through before worrying more.

I dont do masses of welding, the wire is clean though, no signs of any surface rust etc.

Might get a second pair of eyes to watch the wire feed and current display etc

 

[daleyd]

Are you welding outside? I did some mig today outside and got caught out by a few gusts of wind blowing the gas away, ended up with crappy welds (even more than usual).

Threw my hand in and arc welded the rest.

 

[Davek0974]

Nah, in the shed away from the door.

 

[daleyd]

Wind is my excuse and I'm sticking to it ha ha!

 

[the snooper]

Wind is my excuse and I'm sticking to it ha ha!

wrong type of shielding gas

 

[daleyd]

wrong type of shielding gas

I have created a windbreak and am back purging as we speak. The wife went off in the other room muttering.....

 

[the snooper]

I have created a windbreak and am back purging as we speak. The wife went off in the other room muttering.....[/QUOTE]

get the anti spatter spray out

 

[daleyd]

get the anti spatter spray out

No need, I've checked the shroud and it all looks clear..... Sorry dave none of this is helping your problem!!

 

[Davek0974]

Hi

polarity not been changed, never used or owned flux core, wire is the same 5kg reel i have had on for a couple of years, its spotless clean, no rust etc.

 

[Chris Stevens]

If the sound of the arc is changing, and you cant see any obvious cause for this, then might be worth having the set checked out?

 

[Tinbasherdan]

Wire feed or liner, had a big saf mig do exactly the same

 

[Davek0974]

ok, will get someone to run a few lines while i look at feed etc, thanks