Idealarc tig 300/300 help

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I just got my tig machine hooked up in my shop. Well now to learn tig welding.I'm real good at mig and arc but tig no good .......yetI have a Harris 355 flow meter and I don't think it's working. I haven't used this type of regulator before its preset for argon. How do I know if I'm flowing or not? This machine is load so I can't hear gas flow and the hellium gauge ball doesn't move when I push the foot pedal. I just tested it seems like the gas is working by the weld.Grounding the frame seems straight forward but I can't find the bolt marked with the arrow so I cleaned up one of the frame feat and grounded that to my 8' stake in the ground is this okay or do I need to find the lug with the arrow that's mentioned in the manual? One other thing on the tag it has amp ratings for 208 230 and 460 if this machine was run on 460 is there something I need to change on 230?Grounding the frame input voltage and gas flow seem to be my only questions other then what happened to practical machinist????????????????????
Reply:I have the red Tig 300/300. When I turn it on, it runs the gas to purge the system. While the gas is flowing, the ball in your flow meter should be floating up to the correct output. I run 15 CFH. You should also be able to hear the gas flowing quite easily."Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:No flow through the machine need to dig a little deeper
Reply:There were several generations or the TIG 300/300 so a code number would be helpful in identifying the correct manual but if the ball isn't rising in the meter it's unlikely you've got gas flow.  Can you feel/hear it at the torch after tapping the pedal?I've got to ask:Did you turn the tank valve on (showing pressure on the gauge)?Have you opened the flow control valve at the outlet?MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:Originally Posted by MidnightmoonlightNo flow through the machine need to dig a little deeper
Reply:Oh - and on the power question, the input power jumpers have to be set to 230V in order to operate on same.MM200 w/Spoolmatic 1Syncrowave 180SDBobcat 225G Plus - LP/NGMUTT Suitcase WirefeederWC-1S/Spoolmatic 1HF-251D-1PakMaster 100XL '68 Red Face Code #6633 projectStar Jet 21-110Save Second Base!
Reply:It was set up for 460......after switching it to 230 it works fine. Thanks for the help now injust need to practice I have the manual it's a 1974 model 8167-c
Reply:I have a union carbide hw17 torch. It says it will work with thin metals up to 130 amps continuous duty. What does this really mean? Is thin 1/4" and under? I think I will need a new torch down the road. Any recommendations?
Reply:Originally Posted by MidnightmoonlightI have a union carbide hw17 torch. It says it will work with thin metals up to 130 amps continuous duty. What does this really mean? Is thin 1/4" and under? I think I will need a new torch down the road. Any recommendations?
Reply:Originally Posted by Drf255You will probably want a water cooled torch at some point.  A 20 series will serve you well.  Much smaller and much more flexible lines than the 17.  It should be able to handle everything your machine wants to give it.
Reply:My CK230 is rated to be run at 300 amps.  Its tiny and apparently has larger cooling ports than others.IDK, Ive used mine at 275A for extended welds with no problem.TA Arcmaster 300CM3XMT 304S22P12 suitcase feederX-Treme 12VSOptima pulserTA161SMaxstar 150STLHypertherm PM45OP setupStihl 020AVP, 039, 066 Magnum
Reply:The other thing is, I suspect my friend was probably running that 5/32" tungsten at 400A or so. He was definitely putting the coal to 'er.Last edited by Kelvin; 05-06-2013 at 08:49 AM.