Arc inside AHP tig 2015 version.

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I got a brand new AHP AlpahTig 200x 2015 version. I ran less than a foot of beads and it stated welding as if I wasn't getting any shielding gas so I checked the flow at the torch with a meter. The flow meter on the argon bottle was reading 12CFH and the meter at the torch was 2CFH. Also while checking the flow I noticed that I am getting an arc inside the machine. If I look through the vents in the front of the machine the arc appears to be about 1 inch long but I can't quite see what the arc is going from/to. The machine is set to DC, DC electrode negative, no pulse and I checked to make sure all knobs are turned to zero accept for 5 seconds of post flow. The arc inside the machine happens with both the foot pedal or the trigger plugged in. I contacted the AHP support and their solution is to turn the flow meter to 25+CFH because it's normal to drop 10CFH between the bottle and the torch. Also they said the arc inside the machine is caused by the high frequency. I'll admit this is my first experience with TIG but this just doesn't sound right. Can I get some advice from others?
Reply:You will have a constant arc running if you use HF start on DC until you actually get the weld arc.  But it's a tiny gap not 1 inch long.  Would be from the middle of the machine right side 1/4 of the way back where the points are.  Use lift arc and there should be no arc inside the machine.    Flow doesn't sound right.    I'll see if I can check the drop on mine today using my flow tester and Victor flowmeterI assume you have a flow tester.  Disconnect the house from back of machine and compare flow there to gauge flow.Last edited by soutthpaw; 08-28-2015 at 02:53 PM.Tiger Sales:  AHP Distributor    www.tigersalesco.comAHP200x; AHP 160ST; MM350P,  Spoolmatic 30A; Everlast PowerTig 185; Thermal Dynamics 60i plasma.  For Sale:  Cobra Mig 250 w/ Push-pull gun.  Lincoln Wirematic 250