TIG with my stick welder

By _TJ

Date 11-23-2004 06:21

I got my little Century 240/140 AC/DC stick welder at school to build a cart for it. My instructor and I decided to hook a TIG torch up to it and see how it'd do. To my surprise, it welded real nice.

So I know I can do TIG at home with this machine, maybe even AL if I could scrounge up a high freak box. For mild steel, I guess I'll only need an air-cooled torch, flow meter and gas.

Is there anyway I can use a foot control with this type of setup?

The machine has the plug in peg type welding leads, hi and low for AC and pos and neg for DC.

Any help appreciated.

By billvanderhoof (****)

Date 11-24-2004 05:40

The picture I found (century 235) has a crank on top. This leads one to believe that current control in this machine is achieved by moving iron into and out of the transformer. I suppose that some sort of servo system could be devised to turn the crank and match its position to the foot pedal. To do it electronically with this sort of control would involve becoming very familiar with transformer characteristics and the use of power semiconductors. Cost of parts might be impressive.

Bill

By _TJ

Date 11-24-2004 14:58

OK, I can't find a pic of the machine. It is a transformer, and yes I believe an iron plate is moved in and out to change amperage. Instead of the crank handle it's got one of those handles sticking straight out of the front, with a second smaller handle you squeeze and move the thing up and down the scale.