high frequency use..when and how much

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I recently picked up a lincoln idealarc with a lincoln high frequency unit.I down loaded the users manual and for the high frequency unit it says there are several settings for the high frequency...there is a push button thumb switch on the tig torch that activates the high frequency..either I can set it so once the arc is struck the high frequency shuts off or I can set it to stay on..the manual doesnt go into any of the reasons why or what type of welding could be done with the mutitude of settings..any help would be greatly appreciated..here is a pic of the unit..ThankyouLast edited by roadkillbobb; 07-31-2012 at 03:38 PM.
Reply:Use it for start only, with steel; and constant for aluminum.Hope that helps."SOUTHPAW" A wise person learns from another persons mistakes;A smart person learns from their own mistakes;But, a stupid person.............never learns.
Reply:thankyou. i will try it that way
Reply:The adjustments are for the frequency of alternating between EN & EP while welding an A/C mode for alum.Last edited by papabear; 05-08-2010 at 07:16 PM.
Reply:The 'Start only' setting is used when welding with DC current of either polarity (normally, electrode (+) is not used due to excessive heating of the tungsten) but  AC requires it on all the time, as the arc stops for every polarity reversal; as stated, this (AC) is used for welding Aluminum because some (+) current is needed to clean the oxides from the surface and the (-) is needed to provide enough heat to melt the metal.As for the intensity, it is the voltage (and probably also the amperage) of the high frequency current produced by the spark gap and which this unit combines with the regular welding current; usually the instructions say to use as little as will start the arc reliably but it may be necessary to use more to help with the cleaning when using AC on Aluminum.The more 'Intensity' you have, the more noise (interference) to affect your radio or electronic controls----Your automated plasma cutter might go crazy and start chasing you or your new truck! Last edited by Oldiron2; 05-08-2010 at 08:35 PM.
Reply:papabear,You may want to study up on your comments.On that HI FREQ box, the two adjustments are for post flow and hi freq arc intensity.Neither has anything to do with the BALANCE which is the time the machine spends in the EP vs EN mode.Balance control was generally only available on the Squarewave and later machines.  Not normally found on the sine wave machines.  The Squarewave machines generally have the HI FREQ generator built in.HI FREQ is used in DC- welding for arc initiation.  Used in continuous mode for AC welding (Aluminum) to keep the arc lit as the machine transitions from DC- to DC+.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:thanyou ALL for the info..this is a back up machine, or im going to bring it upstate to use on and off for repairs, I paid for the WHOLE set up the welder, a lincoln 250 ideal arc in great condition, and the high frequency box, torch and cables,regulator, and welder leads about 20 ft each...a whopping $200.00.. I have a new lincoln precision tig 225...that I use regularly..and it works great.(ah computer technology).much better instructions came with it..I had it about 2 years now..
Reply:Originally Posted by SundownIIIpapabear,You may want to study up on your comments.On that HI FREQ box, the two adjustments are for post flow and hi freq arc intensity.Neither has anything to do with the BALANCE which is the time the machine spends in the EP vs EN mode.Balance control was generally only available on the Squarewave and later machines.  Not normally found on the sine wave machines.  The Squarewave machines generally have the HI FREQ generator built in.HI FREQ is used in DC- welding for arc initiation.  Used in continuous mode for AC welding (Aluminum) to keep the arc lit as the machine transitions from DC- to DC+.
Reply:you know I actually prefer thumb switch tig torches for general fabrication work.  Iset my amperage range twice, once for tacking once for welding. free's up my foot to do whatever it wants and lets me be a little more mobile.  I'll agree for aluminum it's a bear and you can get farther being able to feather your heat input, but with just a switch you can flick it on control your heat and weld in whatever funky position or walk around a piece without having to lug a foot pedal.  We used to use the old thumb switch torches for production work because the amperage wouldn't change on a whole days worth of material the same thickness... then again we didn't do too  much aluminum.and ditto to what sundown said on the HF, use it for starting on DC, continuous on ACWelding EngineerCertified Scrap Producer