PP256 HF not Working... Again

I am a casual welder - bought this PP256 about 4 years ago new and have used it maybe on a dozen projects.

The last two times I tried to use the machine I have had problems with the HF start not working. Last time I fixed this by resetting the spark gap to .030"

This time I tried the same thing with no luck. At .030 there is no spark across the electrodes at any time. I can sometimes get it to scratch start, but mostly when I make contact with the workpiece the tungsten just sticks to it.

I have a paying job on my table and this unit has been so unreliable, I regret taking the job and also buying the PP256 at this point.

What other troubleshooting can I do? I checked all the electrical connections from the fusebox to the power switch inside the machine. All looked solid.

Sent from my XT1049 using Tapatalk

Try .025 and .020. Sometime that work better in certain climates. Just give them time to discharge each time.

The technical support team had me check the voltage to the HF board - measured near zero so there was a hardware issue somewhere. I mailed the machine in for warranty repair and just learned the lead time is over 4 weeks. I'm not thrilled.

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Originally Posted by greygizmo

The technical support team had me check the voltage to the HF board - measured near zero so there was a hardware issue somewhere. I mailed the machine in for warranty repair and just learned the lead time is over 4 weeks. I'm not thrilled.

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What state did they have you mail it to?

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

What state did they have you mail it to?

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Is there now more than one repair depot?

There used to be two locations. But I asked to see if there was a new one. 4 weeks sounded a bit long.

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Originally Posted by everlastsupport

There used to be two locations. But I asked to see if there was a new one. 4 weeks sounded a bit long.

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And how long the "over" part is. Always curious as to how well they hit the estimated times. Be sure to post a follow up once you get the machine back.

We do have two locations. One location handles many of the newer style units. The other handles both.

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Originally Posted by performance

We do have two locations. One location handles many of the newer style units. The other handles both.

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What states are they in?

ID and TN.

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Originally Posted by performance

ID and TN.

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I'm glad they have one on the right coast now. :D

I shipped the box to ID. I am in Utah so it shipped fast - 2 days at Ground rate. I was excited about that, thinking I would get the machine back quicker.

Finally got an update on my warranty repair. It's now been 6 weeks after shipping the machine and I'm told it "should" be done another 2 weeks. So I am looking at TWO MONTHS for warranty repair at best now. Very frustrated

I do know our main tech at that location suffered a broken leg/foot. It slows everything down. I'll have them take a look at the situation though.

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Originally Posted by performance

I do know our main tech at that location suffered a broken leg/foot. It slows everything down. I'll have them take a look at the situation though.

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I appreciate it, and I understand I have to wait my turn. The welder was becoming an important tool for me and being without it for two months in the dead of summer has hurt a lot. Besides the projects I had planned, I also have a vehicle registration lapse because I can't patch a rusty windshield lip.

I've been eyeing the Everlast mig welders but after this experience it honestly doesn't seem worth the risk.

Our MIG welders are actually our best and least trouble some product.

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Originally Posted by performance

Our MIG welders are actually our best and least trouble some product.

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Hey Mark,
Well..........I now just received a new 200n spool gun with the correct 7 pin "male" connector to fit my new i205. However, as you said, it doesn't work. Please, please send me the wiring diagram for this new gun to get it to work.
Thanks,
Pete O'Connor
For Pete's Sake Landscaping