Harbor Freight TIG 130A welder using ARC rods

[junkweld]

I blew up a Harbor Freight TIG 130A / ARC 90 welder using DCEP (reverse) 1/8" 7018 rod this weekend when the 1/8" rod stuck. It blew out the input diode rectifier, IGBT, and one PCB capacitor. I am kind of surprised the TIG machine blew up.......as in big blue sparks flew out of the vents.

Has anyone used the TIG 130 / ARC 90 with rod this size and had it stick without the machine frying?

[moya034]

I've never used this machine, but I am curious how long the rod was stuck before you either broke it free or removed the stinger.

[junkweld]

It was stuck for about 3 seconds before the diode rectifier blew. I was surprised. All of my transformer machines glow the rod red and melt it.

[whateg0]

I don't do stick very much, but I've used mine for 7018 some as well as some hardface of whatever size TSC sells. I've also run a buddies machine with some 60XX stuff. I know I stuck his a few times, but don't recall how long, but I'm sure it wouldn't have been more than a couple of seconds. I also know he sticks it more than most, and his hasn't blown up yet. Maybe it's just a fluke. Fortunately HF has a liberal return policy, so I'd load it up and take it back. Probably leave with a new one in a few minutes time.

Dave

[junkweld]

I don't do stick very much, but I've used mine for 7018 some as well as some hardface of whatever size TSC sells. I've also run a buddies machine with some 60XX stuff. I know I stuck his a few times, but don't recall how long, but I'm sure it wouldn't have been more than a couple of seconds. I also know he sticks it more than most, and his hasn't blown up yet. Maybe it's just a fluke. Fortunately HF has a liberal return policy, so I'd load it up and take it back. Probably leave with a new one in a few minutes time.
Dave

I picked up the machine used so it is probably too old to send in for a return. There isn't any HF dealers near me so I would have to send it back via mail and it isn't worth the chance that they reject it. It gives me a fun toy to play with so I don't mind.