I've noticed that there are several ways to start the arc when Tig welding. I'm about throw down some of my hard earned cash on a Miller Maxstar, and am just wondering if I should spend the extra $400 on the STH model just so I can have the HF start.

Is lift arc an OK method to use, or should I get the one with the HF? I've read in my welding book, that the lift can sometimes contaminate the weld when you touch the tungsten to the peice.

Thanks guys,
Bryson

 

What's this lift arc method you speak of? I just have the tungsten within an inch of the workpiece and floor the pedal.

Yeah, the tungsten can get easily contaminated if you have to touch it to the workpiece to strike an arc.

 

I dunno, it just says lift arc starting. Hrmm, that would probubly work tho.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bryson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I dunno, it just says lift arc starting. Hrmm, that would probubly work tho. </TD></TR></TABLE>

i belive its like "scratch" to start. kinda scratch the tungsten to the metal and get it off real quick to start up.


today is the 1st day ive used my 180sd(its an older non digital model) but for the hour or so that i messed around with it, i can say that im pleased with the machine. the hf start is a beautiful thing to have.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Bryson &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I dunno, it just says lift arc starting. Hrmm, that would probubly work tho. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I was being sarcastic. The machine I use has High Frequency starting. Touching the tungsten to the workpiece will contaminate the tungsten/workpiece.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by backpurge &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

I was being sarcastic. The machine I use has High Frequency starting. Touching the tungsten to the workpiece will contaminate the tungsten/workpiece.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, thats what I thought.

Do you think the extra $400 bucks would be worth it just for the HF start?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by backpurge &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
. Touching the tungsten to the workpiece will contaminate the tungsten/workpiece.</TD></TR></TABLE>


would you mind explaining how and why it contaminates the metal when the tungsten gets stuck or touches the metal? thanks

 

I'd say it's worth it especially if you're doing aluminum.

Start welding and then jam the tungsten into the weld pool. Does it look OK?

 

when you start, before you put your foot down on the pedal, touch the electrode to your work piece, lift it off and then start applying the pedal to start your pool. this is how i was taught anyway. you don't want your electrode touching your work piece, especially when you are working with aluminum. it makes an awful mess.

 

http://millerwelds.com/education/dictionary.html#

go down to lift-arc(its in alphabetical order) and view the video...

 

Hrmm ok.

" This feature allows TIG arc starting without high frequency. Starts the arc at any amperage without contaminating the weld with tungsten"

How does the HF method start the arc? if I can use the lift-arc to do the welding and not get any contamination, I might as well save the 400 bucks.

 

high freq just jumps the arc... hold the torch at the desired distance/angle and press the pedal and a high freq arc will jump it and start.

its more convinent and for welding a rollbar cross brace, headers/manifolds or tight spots where donig lift arc isn't so easy.

 

The arc will wander around if you get **** all over the electrode.

Also, I don't think you can scratch start on aluminum.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by daveG &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">The arc will wander around if you get **** all over the electrode.

Also, I don't think you can scratch start on aluminum.</TD></TR></TABLE>

yea you can but what you do with the arc after that may be interesting

 

Yeah I would pay $400 for HF start in a heartbeat. Scratching is teh suck.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by I4sillypwr &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Yeah I would pay $400 for HF start in a heartbeat. Scratching is teh suck. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Schweet. I'm getting the STH then...

 

I don't know about scratching....but the way it works is you touch the work piece, press the pedal and lift the torch off the peice and you have your arc...no scratching.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 89civicdx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I don't know about scratching....but the way it works is you touch the work piece, press the pedal and lift the torch off the peice and you have your arc...no scratching.</TD></TR></TABLE>

But from what I understand with the HF, you don't even have to touch the tungsten. I think multiple touches would contaminate the surface/tungsten, as well as dull up the end of the tungsten.

 

Yes the lift is a pain, I have HF but I tried the Lift...it works for sure but sometime the tung will stick if you give too much pedal then you have to wiggle it free and then eventually it gets messed up.

The HF you just press the pedal and go...





Modified by 89civicdx at 3:50 PM 11/23/2005