My tig welder has only high frequency only, what's wrong?

by Jay
(Longview WA usa)

I have had my Linde (L-tech)250 amp TIG welder for about 25 years and it is a wonderful machine. recently i tried to weld some mild steel and accidentally hit the tig/stick with my knee without realizing it. the amperage control was set to maximum and i use a foot control. when i started to weld (the welder started the weld at full power and then lost power. now i can only get high frequency. Since it was set on stick welding and the control was set at maximum power i assume i burned something out. I checked the welding power lead for continuity and it checks out ok any ideas what my problem is?
Jay

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I have used the same welder before and it was sweet.

It does sound like you may have fried a board or something.

I am not a welder repair guy and you will probably need to take it in to a local welder repair shop to get it fixed.

the not so happy news it that it might be expensive.

anyone else got any ideas?

Retired Journeyman Welder

by David
(Addison, NY)

I have always used offhand grinding for my tungsten sharpening. The only time I didn't was when I got curious about a chemical system for sharpening tungstens that I used back in the early 1980's. I don't remember what the stuff was called but it was used by heating the tungsten and dipping it in to the chemical until the desired point was achieved. It was useful at times but it was more trouble than it was worth as it appeared to contaminate the tungsten with some of it's constituent components. It also never really got the tungsten as sharp as I like mine. It didn't have the drawbacks of conventional grinding, but it came with it's own complicated baggage that made it more of a novelty than a useful tool for me. This is only my opinion and does not reflect poorly on the product.

I think one of your contributors also commented on this product. He calls it Chem-Sharp and if my memory serves me right, I think this is what I used as well.

Thanks

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good post...

I am sure there are several different makers of the product, but what I have used is called Chem Sharp.

The fumes are what I hate. along with the residue that it leaves on the tungsten.

virginia welder needs job

by karen
(berryville va )

i just relocated here in the Winchester area and need a job l have 30 yrs experience in welding alum. and stainless steel. Also have quality control experience. Im bored out of my mind someone send me some leads
mskarenroberts@yahoo.com

best all around tig welder

i was wondering what your opinion was on the best all around tig welder for the money. my typical applications would be 3/8 or less metal thickness on aluminum and carbon steel.

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for the money? if you have adequate power (100 amp service) a used miller syncrowave 250 is still one of the best all round tig welders.

if you dont have that much power you might only be able wire a 30 amp plug.

I have an everlast powertig 250ex that cost less than a used syncrowave 250 that has done me a good job for the last year or so.

I cant full endorse them,, but for the money, its a good machine.

the only issue is when they break, it might take a while to get it fixed.

help with tig welder

I want to weld some lightweight metal fence brackets at right angles. Is a 115 volt tig welder available from Harbor Freight up to the job?

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A 115v tig welder from harbor freight can probably handle the job .

most 115 volt tig welders can go up to 90-100 amps with no problems as long as you are not running off a long extension cord.

It might be slower than mig but it should be able to do the job

X Welder & Instructor

by Ron Robinson
(Gastonia, N.C. 28054)

To sharpen tungsten electrodes, I purchased an inexpensive bench grinder and a 1/4" reversible electric drill with a keyless chuck.

Turn grinder on, chuck up a tungsten and grind lengthwise,reverse drill & unchuck. I can prepare at least 12 on both ends in less than 5 minutes. Saves a lot of time going back and forth to grinder especially if you are on production or working out in the field.

Grinder is for tungstons only.

Tip from old RON--Have a nice day.