TIG welding - changes of light intensity: what's going on?

On Fri, 20 Jan 2006 00:34:44 +0000, Sailor wrote (in article ):

You may be right, but I don't think this is what is happening. Any other ideas?

Nick.

seems like it gets brighter when the tungsten touches the weld puddle.

It might be caused by the input voltage to your welder temporarily deviating from standard. This tends to happen in industrial areas where the power distribution transformer is shared with other industries that place a periodic varying load on the power utility.

If you are certain that this is not a TIG torch operator error (ie. you are not dipping the tungsten into the puddle) you might want to call up your electrical contractor and have them attach a recording voltmeter on the power input side of your welder. A recording voltmeter is a device that graphs the voltage level on a roll of cash register tape over a period of time for later review.

If your input voltage is varying widely, you might want to take the matter up with your local power utility, using the voltmeter recordings to support your complaint. The typical solution is for the power utility to install a power distribution transformer for your exclusive use.

I had an issue with my cheapo Harbor Freight auto darkening helmet, where it would cut out intermittently. I complained, sent it back, and got a replacement, which now workes more consistently for aluminum. But for some reason it still cuts out when I'm welding steel.

-- Ilya

This happens once and a while at low currents even with my NexGen helmet.

Frank

On Fri, 20 Jan 2006 12:58:28 +0000, snipped-for-privacy@comcast.net wrote (in article ):

Full marks to all those who suggested the helmet problem. I put some new batteries in and the problem's cured. Disappointingly, it hasn't altered the fact that I'm not a very good welder though!

Nick.

If you're using an auto helmet, try turning the helmet's sensitivity up ( more sensitive ). I had this same problem and that worked for me.

Paul