Tig welder problems

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HiI started to have problems with my TIG welder.My HF starts and when i establish an arc it goes crazy, spraying in all directions and opening holes, staying out of control.My settings and my tungten are all OK, i use pure Argon.I think the problem is lack of gas on the torch because i tried with gas valve closed and the arc acts the same.Could it be lack of gas ?? could it be the torch ?? or is it the machine??how can detect the problem and fix it? any help is welcome.
Reply:Probably would have helped if you'd mentioned what tig machine and torch setup you have.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIProbably would have helped if you'd mentioned what tig machine and torch setup you have.
Reply:DId it work well before this?  Did you change something or is this just out of the blue? Amps and tungsten size?Help yourself and give us more information to go off of.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Do you hear a selenoid open?  Do you hear the gas hiss?  Does your flow gauge indicate flow (be careful with the orifice type flow gauges these may show flow even when plugged off)?  If not start by seeing if there's gas pressure/flow at the back of the machine.  Disconnect the hose feeding the machine and crack open the bottle valve. You should get gas flow.  If not check the regulator/bottle.  If so start checking the machine/torch.  We'll need more specific info if you have to go down the machine/torch path.Dynasty200DX w/coolmate1MM210MM VintageESAB miniarc161ltsLincoln AC225Victor O/A, Smith AW1ACutmaster 81IR 2475N7.5FPRage3Jancy USA1019" SBAEAD-200LE
Reply:You should be able to tell if gas is still coming out the torch, just by listening. Did you accidentally set the polarity to (+) ? As asked before, did it just start acting up on its own or did something get changed, or was this just after starting up when it had been put away? What are you trying to weld; just plain steel?
Reply:I dont hear argon from the torch, and i dont have a flowmeter or a pedal.Im welding mildsteel and my torch is manually and my regulator is a simple two gauge without flowmeter.when i press the torch button it starts the arc and it makes a strange electric noise but no gas, i have gas on the hose back on the machine but not on the torch.I dont think i set the polarity to (+) what would happened if so?
Reply:It should work fine on either polarity, unless your accidentally trying to weld on AC with green tungsten.  Some inverters dont like that.Is your tungsten burning up and discoloring?  If it isnt, then you dont have gas problems.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:Originally Posted by vlimaI dont hear argon from the torch, and i dont have a flowmeter or a pedal.Im welding mildsteel and my torch is manually and my regulator is a simple two gauge without flowmeter.when i press the torch button it starts the arc and it makes a strange electric noise but no gas, i have gas on the hose back on the machine but not on the torch.I dont think i set the polarity to (+) what would happened if so?
Reply:Originally Posted by BillyIf it has an internal gas valve, noise may be the valve trying to open, may be faulty or lack of voltage to open it.
Reply:Can you attach your gas line of your torch directly to the outlet of your regulator?Then try it, if it works OK then it must be your gas valve
Reply:Problem is solved.I checked out everything, regulator was ok, solenoid valve was ok.Conclusion, the torch hose was defective, had an hole. I couldnt see it because it was under the protection. **** and cheap torch.I put some adhesive tape and it started to work almost perfect.One question, do i have to buy a new torch or can i buy only the hose?
Reply:You have the problem solved, tape works.        Usually the hose unscrews, you would have to look at it a bit. end fittings are pretty standard. Some torches have ferules that can be undone so the hose can be replaced and retain the cable. Some you replace cable and hose together . I would wait until the hose is truly toast before I worried too much about it.past work toys; lathes,mills, drills, saws,  robots, lasers ironworker, shears, brake, press, grinders, tensile tester,  torches, tigs, migs, sticks, platten table, positioner,  plasmas , gleeble and spot. Retired June 30, 2009.
Reply:I would replace it. A bodged up torch will let you down sooner rather than later.It will start sucking in air and give you porosity and other problems.Torch has to be kept in good condition at all times