different machine...difference in arc starting?

admin

Kinda odd question...When I weld at school with our big transformer machines I never have even the slightest problem striking an arc. When I go to work and use our small inverter machines it seems much more difficult using the exact same settings. at work we use thermal arc 185's and 300'sat school we have a variety of big older machines, 330a/bp's, dialarcs, some old airco's. is there something with the difference in the machines or is this all in my head?I like to party!
Reply:I am like you, I also like the older machines the best.  JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Try setting the pre flow a little more time. Some inverters also have hidden menus where you can set the "hot start" arc as well.T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:Are you stick or TIG welding?Hobart Stickmate LX AC/DC, Millermatic 252 & 30A spoolgun, Thermal Arc 185 TIG, Miller BWESmith Oxy-AcBridgeport 2J , South Bend 42" 9AHusky 7.5 HP 22.3 CFM 80 gal compressor
Reply:This is just when doing stick...I know the TA's have a hot start feature, but I havent messed around to figure out how to work it yet. But I dunno why that should matter the old machines at school dont have a hot start?I like to party!
Reply:Sorry I thought you were tigging. More info in the original post would be helpful.  T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:Hot start will help.  The inverters turn on the power when they see the you have touched the rod to the plate.  Also the TA-185 may have the Low open circuit voltage thing on which keeps you from getting zapped.  Once you learn how to use it the "problem" will go away.DavidReal world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:it is probably a combination of factors. what has been mentioned previously, also the same setting on a dial will not equate the same amp/volt at the arc.
Reply:sorry, should have said this was for stick...but when all else fails read the directions. I figured the hot start feature out on the TA and it was a peice of cake after that. I'm just getting use to using these  newer machines so excuse the ignorance. I was just curious why I can lay down 2 identical welds using the TA, or one of the older machines... but the TA, for me anyway cant start the arc nearly as good without the hot start feature. Now knowing how to work the hot start, I'm good to go. This is just stuff I try to learn so when I'm out doing a job using a machine I've never touched before I know I need to turn on this, or adjust that before I start welding. (stuff my school doesnt teach at all)I like to party!
Reply:Glad you discovered the hot start. I'm not sure my inverter even has it, or it could be that it is just built into it. I've never used a welder with this many different settings. It is a reddarc EX-300, which translates to XMT-304 built to reddarc specs (truth be told I think it is just an xmt in a shiny silver case). As for using a machine you have never seen before - well I have used a bunch of them and every single one is a little different from the one just like it sitting right next to it. Never by much even from one brand to another, just slightly different.The difference between art and craft is the quality of the workmanship. I am an artist.