tig welder problem

[southsiderich]

I have a hobart handler the same thing as an econotig.The problem is I can't get a clean stable arc to save my life. This is a brand new machine and i've been tig welding for 16 years. So what gives? The weld actually looks like a stick weld it has scale and porosity, and spits and sputters like its not getting shielding gas, which i've already checked. There's got to be something i'm missing. It's a 220 single phase machine, could it be a power problem? Any and I mean any help would be greatly appreciated, before i send this machine sailing across my shop!

[Fat Fab]

Polarity???

GTAW EN

[Craig in Denver]

100% argon? Or AR / HE

Can you hear the gas flow at the cup?

[southsiderich]

I tried it on stainless and mild steel polarity on - dc my shielding gas is 100% argon, i've even swapped bottles with a bottle i've been using that is almost empty. But had the same results. The machine arc welds fine??? I went as far as trying it at +dc just to see, thinking something is crossed but no avail???

[G Austin]

You indicated you have swapped bottles which leads me to think you have another tig setup. You could swap tig rig, hoses etc to see if thats the issue.

If I misread that then foorgive me.

It is possible someone gave you a bottle (or two) marked Argon that are actually 75/25 Ar CO2.

What model machine do you have ? If you are running you gas through the machine, try hooking it directly to the torch. Maybe the soleniod is bad or leaking. Do you hear any clicking from the machine ?

[Zrexxer]

Yeah, you've got a shielding gas problem somewhere. I suspect there might be a cut hose, faulty solenoid as previous poster said, or something like that sucking air into the gas stream. You just need to do some basic troubleshooting. The first thing I'd recommend is call 1-800-332-3281 and talk to Hobart's tech folks, they're the best around and they'll help you sort it out.

[LarryL]

I've not used a Hobart Handler but did use an Econotig for several months last year. During that time I let my buddy use my TA 300 amp inverter for some low amperage welding and I used his Econotig. In my hands the Econotig did not weld as nicely as my own inverter unit but it produced satisfactory welds in both steel and aluminum. You must have some shielding gas or setup issues that are the cause of your poor welds.
LarryL

[southsiderich]

I checked for leaks from the tank, the regulator, and the hose going into the machine....still nothing??? Like i said it's brand new....It's definately 100% argon....i'm frustrated because this ain't my first welder, just my first problem....I don't know how to check the solenoid but i totally agree with you guys, it welds like its not getting gas i do have gas coming out when i engage the foot pedal...any and all advice welcome?!?

[LarryL]

Under warranty?

Southside, if it's a brand new Hobart welder, it should still be under warranty, shouldn't it? You might consider taking it in to your local Hobart dealership and have them look it over.
LarryL

[B_C]

If you don't want to take advantage of the warranty......then put a HELIUM BOTTLE on it and use it for blowing up balloons..... LMAO

[Pangea]

If you don't want to take advantage of the warranty......then put a HELIUM BOTTLE on it and use it for blowing up balloons..... LMAO

Dang, that's funny!

[Craig in Denver]

Is your flowmeter set to 15cfh?

[Zrexxer]

Sounds like he wants to gripe more than actually fix the problem.

[southsiderich]

Found the problem! The tungston collet in the torch is not the proper part. Remember this thing is brand new. The collet is to long and when depressed it is blocking the gas ports. The gas was coming out but it was blowing away from the weld. Researched the part and it's for a different torch. Don't quite know how something like that would happen, butt **** it's working great now and i'm happy. Thanks alot for all the help fella's I checked everything you guys mentioned even thought about the balloon idea.
Thanks again Rich

[LarryL]

Happy tigging trails to you!

We're glad that you found the cause of the problem, Rich!
LarryL