HF Arc Starter with PA 200?

Hi,
Anyone out there using a High Frequency Arc Starter/Stabilizer with a PA 200? I have one that I use with my Miller Thunderbolt and would like to try it with my PA 200. Anything to watch out for?
Thanks,
Mark

Well since no one has responded I will give it a shot! There are some people using a scratch start setup for the power arc 200. I have not yet tried it with mine, but I plan to order a tig torch at some point. I'm not sure you would need a high frequency arc starter with an inverter style machine. From what I have read inverters have a higher frequency than a transformer machine. It's one reason why they are more efficient and also a more stable arc.

I used to have a separate HF unit many years ago. You can do DC TIG without any HF by scratch starting. I do that all the time with many different power supplies. So for the PowerArc a torch and gas should be all you need. HF start is nice, but not required. You do need HF to stabilize AC on a transformer machine, however if using a squarewave instead of sinewave you can get by without it. Since the PowerArc is DC only, that doesn't apply. However, there might be a way to do aluminum as well. I've seen some demos but I want to try a few things for myself, just to be sure. It's more a stunt than anything, but could prove useful in a pinch.

You could also just build a high frequency box...
http://www.casano.com/projects/hfstart/index.html

I'm not sure how an inverter welder will like having HF added, so use at your own risk, unless someone from Everlast let's you know it's ok. The designs between the HF models and non HF may be quite different.

Thanks Sean and Rambozo for your replies. I like the arc starter on my Tbolt and I have been doing scratch start with the PA 200. Just wanted to see how HF start would do with the PA. If I get the gumption to just hook it up and try it I'll let you know how it went.
Thanks,
Mark

You might check the schematic of your HF unit and see if it has some kind of protection for the welder. There would be a capacitor and or a choke to block the HF from feeding back into the welder. Or just give Everlast tech support a call. For all I know this may be a non-issue for IGBT welders, and only MOSFET's are messed up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rambozo

.... However, there might be a way to do aluminum as well. ....

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Not sure if BorderBrewer is interested in aluminum but apparently DC TIG with 100% helium will "work" but from what I've read it can be a bit hard to control, needs really good welding technique and very clean materials.

Definitely go with Rambozo's suggestion and make sure the HF box won't mess with your PA welder.

Hi Undercut,
My Thunderbolt has AC output so I can do Al with the HF starter. The only thing is no current control, so once the metal heats up it's tough. When my son visits I can station him at the Tbolt to turn down the current as needed, but definitely not the ideal set up.:D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by BorderBrewer

Hi Undercut,
My Thunderbolt has AC output so I can do Al with the HF starter. The only thing is no current control, so once the metal heats up it's tough. When my son visits I can station him at the Tbolt to turn down the current as needed, but definitely not the ideal set up.:D

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LOL. Nice setup. What you've got there is a "wireless current controller". Too bad this arrangement isn't permanent! :D