GTAW Intertig 221 Flickering

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Just learning to TIG on a new Invertig 221 ... getting better but noticed this weekend that as I raise and lower the pedal, the arc makes clicking or flickering sounds. Visually, the arc isn't flickering and the bead seem to be fine ... but what is that noise?If I raise and lower the pedal very slowly - the noise doesn't show up. I'm welding beads in the flat position on a hot rolled 4"x8" 3/8 plate with both 3/32 or 1/16 rods at around 160 amps.It is a new machine ... is there something wrong with the machine that I need to call about? I don't recall the Lincoln doing this in class (or maybe I just wasn't aware of it so much). Maybe it is part of the inverter technology?Thanks,-LutherLast edited by LutherBaker; 11-14-2011 at 02:06 PM.
Reply:Technician wasn't aware of the sound but tested it on his machine and was able to recreate the sound - seems normal but still curious what is happening. The noise is definitely coming from the arc itself. I can also create the noise if I put the machine in Pulse mode and and it clicks/ticks as it pulses.Do the Thermal Arc and Dynasty inverters make this noise or is the arc completely silent as you modulate the foot pedal?Thanks,-Luther
Reply:My Thermalarc and Dynastys don't have an interupted arc, but on occasion the sound will be like a stuttering sound somewhat like arc rectification. If the arc is interrupted, that would most likely be a bad potientiometer in your foot control.Otherwise if it welds fine, work it hard. Most welders fail pretty fast if there is a manufacturing defect IMO.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:My inverter did the same.  Try tacking a filler rod to what you're welding and hook the work clamp to it. See if the sputter goes away.  I believe my prob was a bad ground at low amps.  The material was light and didn't exert alot of pressure on the grounded plate I was working on.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:I clamped the ground directly to the piece and the noise became much softer and less pronounced which helps me understand the issue a bit better ... thanks for the suggestions.