I used a transformer machine for the first time yesterday. When operating in AC does a transformer machine sound different than an inverter machine?

Sure does!

David

 

Yes. A xformer has tha 60 hz buzz. The inverters have adjustable freq so the buzz could be higher or lower depending on the freq setting. It could also be the same if you run 60 hz.

 

Basic Transformer Vs Inverter. New technology Vs Old School. John

 

I just took another weld test, just got back. A transformer machine, same low buzz. Also got to use a Miller XR push pull Aluminum MIG gun. That was awesome, I told them I had never MIG welded aluminum, they said just give it a shot. It went really well, Aluminum MIG is really cool, I thought it would be alot harder.

I got the job! They make really big radiators and intercoolers, There was one on the table I took my test at that was 10' square.

 

I used a transformer machine for the first time yesterday. When operating in AC does a transformer machine sound different than an inverter machine?

Is the sound a function of the balance and or frequency setting?
For years I worked at a place with a Miller Dynasty, and when I used it for aluminum it made a "faster" higher pitched noise. I never messed with any of the AC settings when I worked there.

This one yesterday was very low. And I didnt like the way the puddle acted.

Actually the high frequency on an old machine with platinum points should actually be higher frequency then the newer machines if I am not mistaken. It may be up there into the GIGO hertz.

The multiple air gaps between the platinum points create the high frequency.

All the machines are getting 60 hertz.

The newer transformer machines high frequency seems to create a little miniature lightning bolt, that the older machines do not. The newer Miller transformer TIG I use creates a lightning bolt. The older P&H and older Linde do not. I like the older machines myself. However the cleaning action on the Miller might be seen as superior for aluminum.

When you are doing AC TIG ARC you are creating at least 120 cycle AC current. Because each pulse reverses at least one time within the cycle. Causing 120 hertz AC current.

Sincerely,


William McCormick

 

I just took another weld test, just got back. A transformer machine, same low buzz. Also got to use a Miller XR push pull Aluminum MIG gun. That was awesome, I told them I had never MIG welded aluminum, they said just give it a shot. It went really well, Aluminum MIG is really cool, I thought it would be alot harder.

I got the job! They make really big radiators and intercoolers, There was one on the table I took my test at that was 10' square.

Right on!! Anyway, you'll get used to the transformer machine quickly. Remember, 90% of all the aluminum ever tig welded was done with a transformer.....so you will be able to adjust to it. Try sharp tungsten, and quick start up on the amps.

 

Try sharp tungsten, and quick start up on the amps.

I wanted to try but......
The guy who gave me the test, will also be training me to replace him. He has gotta be at least 70. he gave me a piece of copper to ball the pure tungsten with and I took one look at the guy and thought "Dont argue with this dude, do it his way!"

That guy is going to teach me alot, Im stoked. He is old but not too old school, He got me using the aluminum MIG in no time flat.

They said I can take pictures, I cant wait to show you guys these intercoolers,
the core is like 8 inches thick, they are huge!

 

I wanted to try but......
The guy who gave me the test, will also be training me to replace him. He has gotta be at least 70. he gave me a piece of copper to ball the pure tungsten with and I took one look at the guy and thought "Dont argue with this dude, do it his way!"

That guy is going to teach me alot, Im stoked. He is old but not too old school, He got me using the aluminum MIG in no time flat.

They said I can take pictures, I cant wait to show you guys these intercoolers,
the core is like 8 inches thick, they are huge!

You will love it. I have done miles of it. I still enjoy it.

The transformer TIG is a bit softer more forgiving weld in my opinion. It was designed as an all around very good ARC for aluminum.

When I tried a friends new inverter machine with the settings he claimed to use. I saw a lot of out gassing in the puddle behind the ARC. That I never see with the transformer TIG. The inverter TIG is more like a DC beam then AC ARC.

With the intense heat of DC beam you have to pre and post heat the puddle before and after adding wire. If you do not it will crack. Because you can heat aluminum too quickly with Inverter machines.

Much more so then the optimally adjusted ARC of the transformer TIG. With the transformer TIG you can add wire once you have a puddle and you can move right along. I noticed that the inverters do not work just like that, at least at certain settings. Someone claimed that you can set them to mimic AC ARC. I have not seen this yet, so I cannot say.


Sincerely,


William McCormick

 

They also sound different since the old ones are a sine wave output and the inverters can produce different waveforms along with different frequencies.

Oh, Billy.....you're still a quack.

 

I learned to tig aluminum on a transformer. I learned again when I bought an inverter. Both do a great job.

A transformer always has 50% wave balance. A lot of power is wasted there and more is wasted to heat.

Sounds like a great job.

David

 

They also sound different since the old ones are a sine wave output and the inverters can produce different waveforms along with different frequencies.

Oh, Billy.....you're still a quack.

He's not offbase here. So, do a favor, and when he is not offbase, don't bother with attacking him. Some of everyone's info goes against the grain. Some is just plain wrong, but much of what is here is simply another way of skinning a cat. There is always more than one way to get it handled. Lighten up already. He knows he is different.

 

And as for the difference in the welders, I have felt very at ease with transformer machines, because I had less settings to goof myself up with. Just kind of plug in and go.

 

With the intense heat of DC beam you have to pre and post heat the puddle before and after adding wire. If you do not it will crack. Because you can heat aluminum too quickly with Inverter machines.


FYI You can not TIG weld aluminum with DC.

 

With the intense heat of DC beam you have to pre and post heat the puddle before and after adding wire. If you do not it will crack. Because you can heat aluminum too quickly with Inverter machines.


FYI You can not TIG weld aluminum with DC.

Hmm, for YOUR information, yes, you CAN tig weld with DC. DCEN to be correct. This was the original tig welding, and it was developed as a way specifically deal with welding aluminum. A/C tig came later. DCEN is still a successful way to weld thicker aluminum. It has drawbacks, as there is no cleaning action of the AC function.

 

I should lighten up at times...but he's still a quack.

 

I should lighten up at times...but he's still a quack.

Oh, I agree. But I enjoy the wild thinking that we all come up with. I get stuff in my head, and I think to myself " If I ask THIS one out loud, they will think I am nuts for sure!!" I was the KING of dumb questions as a kid.:dizzy:

 

FYI You can not TIG weld aluminum with DC.

I learned to weld in the Grumman Aero Space plant, doing AC TIG when I was nine. At home I learned to weld with DC TIG on stainless when I was a teenager. But I did not find out about DC beam welding aluminum using an ordinary TIG machine until I was about twenty one. I was a bit peeved that I had not been informed of this earlier. I had heard of many different processes but many times machines controlled or did the welding.

Here is something I did a while back that was DC TIG welded.

http://www.Rockwelder.com/Welding/alumstairs1.jpg
http://www.Rockwelder.com/Welding/alumstairs2.jpg
http://www.Rockwelder.com/Welding/alumstairs3.jpg

The stringers are just over 3/8" thick. The treads are 3/16" plate. You can see the penetration on the outside of the stringer. I don't think I ever used more then 100 amps while doing this. This was done with straight polarity and pure helium. I did not have two regulators at the time. Or I would have kept a trace of Argon to make starting and stopping easier.


Sincerely,


William McCormick