Testing Tig without gas

[MattH]

As per my other thread I am repairing an old transformer based Tig welder.

Question is, can I test it in any way without gas? I don't want to commit to a 20l Argon tank and reg until I know there is life in the machine.

 

[Richard.]

You can. But the only test you'll achieve will be that it arcs up. It won't weld a run like you can with a mig because without gas protection the tungsten will last about 3 seconds. But you'll get an idea that it strikes up and other than torch consumables it won't do any harm.

 

[zx9]

As Richard says you could use a 'sacrificial' tungsten to test hf start, if it has a stick setting you could burn a rod or two to make sure it can deliver some current.

 

[Paul G]

<<<<<<<<--------------- You can test the HF on your finger

 

[roofman]

<<<<<<<<--------------- You can test the HF on your finger

I did this today..making a tig torch holder and had a bright idea to put a couple of tacks on the bracket to a big speaker magnet for bench mounting..WRONG!!! as i activated the HF start on the tig the magnet drew the lead current right over my finger

 

[Richard.]

Without been in contact with the earth point the tungsten at your finger and press the switch. Works much better if the argon is on. It won't hurt you but the spark will jump the gap onto your finger if the HF is working. If you do it while holding the return clamp then it's gonna wack a bit harder.

 

[MattH]

Thanks for the info chaps.

So I can use a Arc rod to test current ability and my finger to test HF.

Sweet.

 

[eSCHEn]

Thanks for the info chaps.

So I can use a Arc rod to test current ability and my finger to test HF.

Sweet.

Nice one Matt. I remember getting my similar TIG to a point where I could the rudimentary tests. Nerve racking but exciting as well

 

[MattH]

Lol, I'm putting the bits back in tomorrow and hooking it up for some multi meter tests. I don't have an earth lead at the moment so functional test will have to wait.

I have a dedicated 32A supply for it, hopefully it won't blow that (max draw is 35A).

 

[eSCHEn]

Mine draws about 30A max as well. Currently running on a 13A plug Large inrush with mine so pops the B class MCB. After a couple of resets it runs fine and I've had it up to about 110A with no issues.

 

[zx9]

Without been in contact with the earth point the tungsten at your finger and press the switch. Works much better if the argon is on. It won't hurt you but the spark will jump the gap onto your finger if the HF is working. If you do it while holding the return clamp then it's gonna wack a bit harder.

Are you sure this is a good idea with a re built machine, might be fine with a known good machine but could be a bit of a risk with the OP's rebuild!

 

[MattH]

Mine draws about 30A max as well. Currently running on a 13A plug Large inrush with mine so pops the B class MCB. After a couple of resets it runs fine and I've had it up to about 110A with no issues.

Cool that's good to know.

 

[MattH]

Are you sure this is a good idea with a re built machine, might be fine with a known good machine but could be a bit of a risk with the OP's rebuild!

I'll be getting a meter onto it lots before I go touching any energised parts lol.

 

[Richard.]

Are you sure this is a good idea with a re built machine, might be fine with a known good machine but could be a bit of a risk with the OP's rebuild!

I don't see why not. We are talking about testing the hf spark without arcing up gasless. It's either gonna work or it won't. I'm not advising he puts his fingers in the mains terminals to see if that's working. This is just a end of the torch test.

 

[Paul G]

<<<<<<<<--------------- You can test the HF on your finger

I did this today..making a tig torch holder and had a bright idea to put a couple of tacks on the bracket to a big speaker magnet for bench mounting..WRONG!!! as i activated the HF start on the tig the magnet drew the lead current right over my finger

Matt please note:

I said you can test it on YOUR finger.

Roofman, IMHO, speaker magnets are best kept in a speaker.
At best they drag the arc all over the place, and every tool you pick up will look like a furry caterpillar.

At worst, well, you already know about fingers.


I have a bit of wood screwed to the edge of the bench with a Terry clip on the top. (_)
Swing it upright to use. The down position when not needed.

Paul G