Anyone remember 500 cycle converters for AC welding?

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Lincoln used to make these I know, like around the early 80's and before; no one seems to remember it - - it was supposed to make small rod easier to strike and maintain the arc on thinner metal like sheet metal.  Wish I had bought that with my big welder when I first got it in 1984.Lance - - Rockford, IL.
Reply:Are you thinking of high frequency (HF) start by chance?Check this project: http://www.casano.com/projects/hfstart/index.html
Reply:Pretty neat. Looks similar to the circuitry of the old HF boxes made by Miller, Century, etc. for TIG welding. There was a thread here a while back discussing a very old welder that had an optional attachment called the "Missing Link", which was basically an HF box made for stick welding.If this "500 cycle converter" actually made 500Hz AC that would have been high technology for the 80's. Inverter TIG welders can usually make AC current at 200Hz or more, might be worth a try but I don't know if it would make the arc easier to strike.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Hi all, in 1975 I worked for a firm in UK, and our team leader used to do stick welding with the HF and foot pedal.He just laid the welding rod on the job, dropped the hood and pressed the pedal......instant start every time and no sticking, higher amp start and variable running amps.........you can do that with any welder that has Tig capability and HF with a foot pedal........am I missing something on that?Ian.
Reply:The only problem I can see is that TIG welders only make HF when in TIG mode, not in stick mode. In TIG mode, the output is usually "pure" constant current, i.e. no "arc force" or "dig" control. Would probably be OK for 7018s, not so great for 6010s.JohnA few weldersA lot of hammersA whole lot of C-clamps
Reply:Hi, you mean amps ain't amps?What's 100 amps in Tig mode compared to 100 amps in stick mode....AC or DC?I didn't know welders had a "digging" control....I'll check on mine.Ian.
Reply:Digging control will increase the current when you get closer. It helps prevent sticking the rod. However, it's not something you want with TIG - if you get closer to try to reduce heat and it actually increases current, that doesn't work too well. http://www.millerwelds.com/resources...rticle108.html has some info on that.Lincoln 175HD