Attaching stinger and TIG torch at same time?

admin

Hi, this may be a dumb question but I have searched the forum and can't find a good answer.  I just bought a Esab Heliarc 250 and the machine just has the lug attachments for the cables.  Is there any reason that I can't attach both the TIG torch and the stick stinger to the lug at the same time rather than changing them over any time I want to change processes; or should I bite the bullet and buy cable connectors?  I have the manual but they don't mention it in there.  Thanks in advance for your help.
Reply:If they're connected at the same time the stinger will try arcing to stuff.  One at a time.Miller Diversion 180Hobart Handler 140 (Soon to be replaced with Miller 211?)Miller Spectrum 625 Extreme
Reply:Tig is usually DC - while most stick is DC + so that really won't work. If you want to save time you can buy the tweeco connectors and put them on your torch, stinger, ground and lugs and then swapping is very quick and easy. This would also let you easily add more cable to either or both sides if needed..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:We have few of our older stick welders at work that have the tig torch and stick stinger both attached to the power suply at the same time. Nothing wrong with that as long as you make sure the tig torch has a good holder to keep it from falling or touching anything while your stick welding. Just flip the polarity switch to go from process to process. We use scratch start tig with the machines in question here. Remember, once you turn the machine on, the tig torch and stick lead are both ready to go so treat the tig torch with care if you keep both hooked to the machine at all times.Last edited by snoeproe; 06-03-2012 at 07:08 PM.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Does this make sense? Attached Images
Reply:Here is one of the machines at work. This one has 2 stick leads and one tig torch connected, all at the same time. One stick lead is for inside the shop, the other stick lead goes through the wall to weld outside. the tig torch is for in shop welding, Both stick leads are Bernard short stubs and the tig is scratch start with a gas valve on the torch. There is no problems with this set up.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720