weird problem with TA 185 tig on AC

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Hey guys, I picked up a second hand TA 185 and I love it.  When I first got it, both the AC and DC welding was really easy.  Now, only DC welding is good and AC aluminum is not coming out right at all.  There must be something wrong with the machine, but I don't know.  Symptoms are:Difficulty getting a clean start. No difference in cleaning action with the wave balance changed.Can't get a clean weld puddle.Very fluttery arc.Using a 3/32 lanciated tungsten. hot start at 20, amp at 85, balance varies for testing but usually at 20%, at 100 hz.  I used these settings in the past with very nice results, and then all of a sudden it stops.  Does anyone have experiences with this type of problem with this machine?Thanks for the help-Steve
Reply:You verified if base is aluminum? Are you using straight argon gas? If so, is it a new or used bottle? If used, did you get acceptable welds from it prior? If new, do you have another bottle to try from?
Reply:Originally Posted by mjedudeYou verified if base is aluminum? Are you using straight argon gas? If so, is it a new or used bottle? If used, did you get acceptable welds from it prior? If new, do you have another bottle to try from?
Reply:Originally Posted by clocrihyI have the same idea with you. Great! Thanks for sharing. Glad to hear you're using this: I plan to keep it much more aggressively up-to-date than has been the case in the past, but don't hesitate to let me know if you find errors or need clarifications.
Reply:LOL  Sounds like one of those african internet scam emails I get all the time.  They talk and talk and say nothing and after you read it all, you realize they have no idea what the subject is.Do you have a gas leak in the torch or anywhere in the system?  Are the cup and back cap on the torch making a good seal and no cracks?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:LOL  Sounds like one of those african internet scam emails I get all the time.  They talk and talk and say nothing and after you read it all, you realize they have no idea what the subject is.Do you have a gas leak in the torch or anywhere in the system?  Are the cup and back cap on the torch making a good seal and no cracks?MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:Try it on a piece of stainless with the same gas and no hi-freq to rule out the gas and any possible leaks or cracks. If it welds fine, then start looking into the machine.
Reply:I don't own a TA185 but I've done a fair amount of research on them. I saw a post somewhere - a guy was having issues with his - he just ended up needing to do a reset of the welding parameters (factory reset or something). He'd gotten it in to some weird program mode and it wasn't welding right. A reset cured it. Worth a shot.The soldering toys pay for the welding toys.Hakko 928 dual iron, 4xHakko 936Madell 850D Hot Air SMT ReworkMiller 252, HTP Invertig 201 AC/DC, and a Hypertherm 45.
Reply:Owners Manualhttp://www.thermadyne.com/IM_Uploads...0_300X4861.pdfGood Luck!
Reply:I had a problem with mine where there was a screw on the front inside above where your leads hook in that worked its way lose and shorted something and wrecked a board inside. it welded flawlessly on dc but welded on ac like you are describing. Not to say that is what is happening to you but they fixed it under warranty and put silicone around screw, 2 years later it did it again and i believe it cost me $800, this time i was pissed but they shoved a piece of insulative board in there to prevent it from touching anything. No problems since and has been about a year. First The second time I saw a flash inside where it shorted so I knew exactly what happened.Millermatic 252Lincoln 175 plusTA 185tswTA 161stlhypertherm pmax 45Victor torchHenrob torchAn S10 for each day of the week
Reply:Thanks guys, I really appreciate the help!It welds perfect on DC, so I don't suspect gas flow issues.  No visible cracks and everything in the torch is either new or in perfect shape.  I will definately look into that screw above the leads and see if maybe I have the same issue.  Thanks again, and I will keep this thread updated. -Steve
Reply:FIXED! and under warranty too.  Now it's welding perfectly.  Couldn't be happier with it. Thanks for the help guys.-Steve
Reply:Was it that screw? What did they find was the issue?.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:I didn't ask but something had shorted out.  I was so excited that it was fixed and working properly that I didn't even bother asking.  Here is some fun that I had with it now that it's working.  finger and 1/16 filler there for size reference.  I love this machine!
Reply:Glad to hear you were able to getit fixed under warranty. I think it would be great if you could ask them what it was that caused the short. It may be a potential problem in these machines. Like I said it happened twice on mine and second time it cost me big bucks. We could make a post or even sticky in the manufacturer section about it so it could be avoided possibly. Looks like you were having fun, like a kid with a new toy again.Millermatic 252Lincoln 175 plusTA 185tswTA 161stlhypertherm pmax 45Victor torchHenrob torchAn S10 for each day of the week
Reply:Hmmm, interesting!Certainly glad you found the problem and got it repaired!I was thinking of upgrading my TA185 in the shop with a TA300 or Dynasty 350 and taking the TA185 out on the truck for mobile aluminum tig.  Haven't had one lick of problems with it in the shop, but I never move it around and never change the connections since all I use it for is tig and my torch reaches most everywhere in the shop I need it to without moving the machine.  This makes me think that maybe taking the TA mobile would be a bad idea!MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:I will ask them what happened with it as soon as i can.  I will let you know. -steve
Reply:I'm having this exact same problem with my TIG185.  I sure wish you would have posted what the problem was?  Thanks