Please help A/C trouble

[Dirtbag Motorsports]

I am having some issues with a 180 sd. D/C works fine A/C not so well. The arc will spit and sputter about 3 times before it blows a hole through the aluminum, I had both scrs tested they are about 1 ohm apart from each other looking for some suggestions on what might be wrong thanks.

[Gingerboy]

Had the same problem with mine, minus the hole blowing. High frequency transformer, and one capaciter fixed her up. Total cost was around $200. I would wait for Cruizer to pick your brain a little though.

[cruizer]

which 180SD is it, a serial# would be handy. cause it works in DC, the SCR's are not a problem.

[Jorge]

Hey guys just joined up ... Hope you don't mind that join in on this thread but my 180SD is doing the same thing, sputters and I can't keep the arc from wandering. I bought mine used from a farmer in pa, works real well on EN and EP but the AC is killing me... 3/32 aluminum brushed clean, 3/32 green tipped tungsten argon flow at 20-25 garage door closed and all I get is spatter can't get it to puddle to save my life tried 5,6,8,and 10 cups all yield same result.

i read manual, checked all the settings and tried all sorts of combinations and nothing makes it better?
My SN is LF119554 stock no is 907054

im a total rookie but did take the basic and advanced welding course at community college ... Can't get my teachers on the phone... I have a chance to make a few bucks repairing some welds on a buddies quad footrests but I'm dying here any guidance would be appreciated.

[Matrix]

the AC is killing me... 3/32 aluminum brushed clean, 3/32 green tipped tungsten argon flow at 20-25 garage door closed and all I get is spatter can't get it to puddle to save my life

One possibility is that you may have a contaminated electrode.
Try the brown ones first before looking at the machine.
Green will work in a pinch but they're not as good as brown.
Look for the word "Zirconiated" on the package.

[Jorge]

One possibility is that you may have a contaminated electrode.
Try the brown ones first before looking at the machine.
Green will work in a pinch but they're not as good as brown.
Look for the word "Zirconiated" on the package.

Matrix, I started with brown/orange 2% ceriated, checked with miller manual that called for pure tungsten so I called my local Gts welco guy and he said contamination go green :-) 1/16 out of the can, #8 cup amps @ 90 lit it up just about next to the ground clamp and sputter... Balled the tip up nice and clean but no puddle was gonna happen. Tried more amps and it balled up the tip but good and then plenty of splatter... Tried 3/32 green same deal... I did not try a new collet but would that make a difference?

i did not sharpen electrodes on two tries to rule out contamination, then I tried sharpening the 3/32 and I'm still the same. I am lighting up on fairly crappy pieces do scrap... But nothing too thick and its not really that dirty - I think I should be able to move around on a piece and get a puddle going at some point

[Dirtbag Motorsports]

which 180SD is it, a serial# would be handy. cause it works in DC, the SCR's are not a problem.

serial number i have is LF067674 thanks for the help

[Dirtbag Motorsports]

which 180SD is it, a serial# would be handy. cause it works in DC, the SCR's are not a problem.

Thanks for the help

[dzlweld]

Make sure no leaks in your argon line including back cap o ring. Pick a tungsten what ever color prep it un wrongly. And i might suggest taking a grinder to workbench if you ground to it..

[Helios]

Don't forget to turn on the argon bottle.