Problems with neighbours

[Neil C]

I am new to MIG Welding and have recently bought a Wolf 150 Fan - Cooled MIG Welder. Although I have done a considerable amount of ARC Welding, I am finding it difficult to get used to MIG Welding. The other more serious problem I have is that when I use the MIG Welder my neighbour's and their neighbour's lights flicker on and off but it does not affect their TV or PC. Could there be a problem with the welder and, if so, can it be rectified or should it be returned? (All the properties are detached).

 

[shenion]

Are those fluorescent lights?

Mine flicker here when using my TIG. Seems the noise generated effects them. Might confuse an electronic ballast and cause it to cycle on/off.

You could try adding a surge suppressor. One with a line filter would help more.

 

[Drains]

Wolf welder, ugh, ..... trouble methinks.



Sorry , not a helpful comment. But if you're having difficulty with the welding, in this case, you can probably blame the machine. As for the lights - ghosts hate Wolf welders.

 

[irondarren]

Most likely the reason for the flicker is they are on the same phase as you, welders have a nasty habit of drawing a large amount of power in a short burst causing lights to flicker. I have the same problem where i live, although the neighbours are over 100yrds away there lights flicker. The answer is to try not to weld at night, which is easy to say in the summer months

 

[Rusty]

Better still ask them not to use their lights at night

 

[irondarren]

Cool idea rusty lol.

 

[Hitch]

Weld closer to their house, hopefully the light from the arc will make up any dips in the proper lights, and they wont notice

 

[rusty69bus]

take it back, and buy a better machine

 

[Welderpaul]

I'd take the machine back and explain the problem. Buy a different make and i bet the problem disappears.

 

[Neil C]

Neighbour's lights

Thanks for the comments, I will try to return to Screwfix. Any suggestions on a better welder? The flickering does not occur when I use my arc welder but this is not too good on thin metals. I don't think the neighbour's lights are fluorescent.

 

[irondarren]

Clarke machines are generally good value for money, several members here have them.

 

[weldequip]

Neighbours Tell em if they don't shut up moaning you'll weld their front door shut (well don't tell em... just do it!)
Kids, DON't try this at home.
weldequip

 

[shenion]

Clarke machines are generally good value for money, several members here have them.

My big TIG makes my lights flicker even at 5amp setting (probably HF start). My Clarke has no problems. I did see on the schematic, they have some noise filtering; something you don't see on the cheap crap.