tig welder tech

toyota1

toyota1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2008
Location
Fort Mill, SC
My Lincoln square wave 175 has been having a problem opening the gas solenoid at more that 10cfph of gas. So I figured the solenoid was weak and a new one would do the trick $100 later to airgas the new one does the same. I have 110v to the valve and it open when gas isn't applied but throw gas to it and it doesn't. I'm kindof tired of messing with it can I just buy a torch with a gas valve on it like a scratch start machine?
Summary does a tig torch with a gas valve just use your finger to supply gas to the cup?
 
Ok I'm gonna call airgas and get one ordered today. Thanks
 
Ours never had that problem. Survived many years in an industrial environment and several more as a hobbyist/part time fab unit. Performed flawlessly. I'd say that if you're having a problem like that, you probably have a corroded connection somewhere or a bad relay. Check your voltage while gas is connected and start wiggling some connections. If you see it dropping below say 100v, then it might not be getting enough current to pull in the solenoid. I'd fix it, or at least give it another attempt. I prefer to have my torch unencumbered.
 
I spent a few hours testing connections and stuff. I'm not to concerned with a gas valve torch as little as I tig its not a big deal but when I need it, I need it to work
 
Chunk the solenoid. Buy a Weldcraft wp9fv torch.
But i am kinda new to this.......
 
I'm not afraid to work around something to make a tool work, but I like for things to work the way they're supposed to, too.You already bought the solenoid, I hate to see you $100 in the hole. It may be a weak SCR or relay, though, and hard to diagnose. Do what you gotta.
 
So you're saying the solenoid in the machine isn't allowing more than 10cf out of the torch? How are you checking the flow, just by the readout on the flow gauge at the tank? Why do you think it's the solenoid? I would definitely be looking into regulator on the tank.

If you buy a torch with a valve on it you're going to have to run a hose directly to the tank so be sure the gas hose has the right connection and has the extra length to reach the tank since you wont be able to attach to the front of the machine anymore.
 
I wasn't measuring the gas flow at the torch I was talking about if I set my reg at 10cf the solenoid doesn't have enough power to open. I don't think its the regulator its working as it should. If I turn it down to 5cf on the reg it'll open but that's not enough to weld.
The way my machine is setup I can just put a brass union where the solenoid was on the back of the machine and regulated gas will go to the torch
 
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