Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Touch start Tig

["James Frankland" <james@guernseysubmarine.com>]

Hi Frank\Emile.

2 different opinions!  Frank, i assume you mean just fitting the tig torch to a normal DC arc welder?  Don't you have to scratch the electrode to get it started?  Surely thats going to much up the delicate point no end?  I know your an experienced welder, so maybe you just make it look easy....! I read somwhere that clamping a large brush from an electric motor to your job and scratching the arc on that helps to start it without contaminating the point.  Have you ever heard of that?  As Emile mentioned, i suspect that touching the electrode on the work will mess up the point.  THe HF sets i use at work always lose the point if i accidentally touch the workpiece - admittedly thats while welding, not starting.  I'll try and touch start the set next time to see what happens.

Emile, the link you sent didnt work...

Im away on holiday for a week now, so i'll ponder the idea while im away.....

Many thanks
James

----- Original Message -----
From: ShellyDalg@aol.com [mailto:ShellyDalg@aol.com]
To: personal_submersibles@psubs.org
Sent: Thu, 27 Aug 2009 15:31:40 EDT
Subject: Re: [PSUBS-MAILIST] Touch start Tig

Hi James. Hi-freq is useful but certainly not required. I've welded almost
my entire sub with TIG and although I have a Hi-freq on my machine, I
rarely use  it.
I'm welding everything from 3/4 inch to 20 gage.
Scratch or touch makes very little difference. I would suggest just buying
an inexpensive TIG torch, clamp it onto the arc-rod stinger, and start
burning.  If you've already got the flow meter, $75 to $80 and you're in
business. I've  always found TIG to be the easiest. I taught my youngest daughter
to do it. Took  about an hour and she was just welding away. Frank D.