I have a 300 amp Airco Heliwelder I've been using as an AC DC stick welder. I wanted to build an aluminum deck for my truck and have been refitting the hoses etc. for the water cooled torch. Problem is the foot pedal doesn't seem to control the amperage (yes all the switches are right) everything else works solinoid for the water cooler, and gas, post flow timer, all work. (hard to say about the high freq.) is it suppose to be a scratch start?????? I'd guess not but it is old say 1960. Any ideas appreciated. TIA

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), January 01, 2002

Answers

why dont you get aluminum rods for stick welding, they make them,, and work pretty good

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), January 01, 2002.

Well it ain't cause I'm fussy; but TIG is supposed to be the best welding system and if you have the machine why not use it? I'll admit fully half this deck building project is to satisfie a curiosity "does the TIG work" on our machine. Plus I weld/blacksmith/set things on fire accidentally, for a hobby.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), January 01, 2002.

Its been about 30 years since I have touched one but if I remember correct there was a heavy gague wire and lug that had to be crossed over to a different terminel to activate from one mode to another, it was at the front under a cover that had to be unbolted.

-- mitch hearn (moopups@citlink.net), January 01, 2002.

Just to jog your memory how about instead of a heavy wire you disconnect a heavy brass switch/lever? Did that. I've been told the selector switch can go faulty. I'll try to post a picture of it so you can see the darned thing. I certainly can E mail it if you think it might help.

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), January 01, 2002.

With the high frequency a scratch should not be necessary, it should jump across the arc gap. Make sure your foot control is functioning by checking the ohms with a volt meter. Also be sure the switch on the control panel is in the remote position and if it has a pre flow timer make sure it is in the right position. Not familiar with that particular model but they all have some things in common.

-- jim phillips (jhphillips@ccrtc.com), January 01, 2002.

There is a dial you can set the ohms with. Any idea where it should be? Also should the high freq. be set to start or continuous? We tried them all but where should things be?

-- Ross (amulet@istar.ca), January 01, 2002.

Ross, turn your AC/DC switch to the AC position, and set the high freq to the continuous position. Welding aluminum with a Tig welder is not that easy. For a beginer, use at least a 3/32" tungsten. And make sure that you are wearing a heavy pair of gloves because it will get really hot. Emory

-- Emory (NE PA) (et@hazleton.net), January 01, 2002.

Ross, hubby says "Some units have a delayed relay on the start. Need to hold it down longer to see if it engages. Put the torch to the metal, not a scratch, but a slow surge start." "Also to crank your amperage up higher". Vicki as told to by John, because I don't know one thing about what I wrote :)

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), January 01, 2002.