Welding guides
Parts, troubleshooting, equipment, and life in the trade. Browse by topic or search below.
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PAPR Welding Helmet Airflow Troubleshooting: Low-Flow Alarm, Filter Loading, Hose Leaks, Battery, and Blower Checks
If a PAPR welding helmet has weak airflow, a low-flow alarm, fogging, heat buildup, or reduced breathing comfort, stop welding and troubleshoot before continuing. A PAPR depends on a battery-powered blower, correct…
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Welding Helmet Flickering Shade Troubleshooting: Auto-Darkening Lens, Sensors, Batteries, Sensitivity, and Delay
A welding helmet that flickers between light and dark during welding should be removed from service until it passes a safe function check. Flickering shade is usually caused by weak batteries, blocked…
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Plasma Electrode Pitting Causes: Air Quality, Gas Pressure, Amperage, Standoff, and Consumable Wear
Plasma electrode pitting is normal wear until the pit becomes deep, off-center, or rapidly destructive. The electrode contains an emitter insert that erodes during cutting. A small centered pit is expected. Fast…
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Plasma Drag Shield Compatibility Guide: Torch Family, Amperage, Nozzle, Retaining Cap, and Cut Mode Checks
A plasma drag shield is not a universal cup. It must match the torch family, amperage range, nozzle, electrode, retaining cap, and cutting mode. If the wrong drag shield is installed, the…
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Plasma Cutter Pilot Arc Failure Troubleshooting: No Start, Weak Spark, Arc Dropout, and Torch Consumable Checks
Plasma cutter pilot arc failure usually comes from worn consumables, poor air supply, incorrect torch assembly, a bad work lead path, torch safety-circuit problems, or internal pilot-arc circuit failure. If the torch…
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TIG Arc Starting Problems and Fixes: Hard Starts, Arc Wander, HF Start Failure, and Contaminated Tungsten
TIG arc starting problems usually come from tungsten condition, work clamp contact, gas coverage, torch setup, or start-mode settings before they come from a failed machine. If the arc will not start,…
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TIG Post-Flow Setting Troubleshooting: Black Tungsten, Porosity, Gas Waste, and Torch Cooling
TIG post-flow is the shielding gas that keeps flowing after the arc stops. If it is too short, the hot tungsten and cooling weld crater are exposed to air, causing black, blue,…
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TIG Torch Consumable Wear Signs: Cup Cracks, Collet Slip, Gas Lens Clogs, and Dirty Tungsten
Worn TIG torch consumables usually show up as dirty tungsten, rough arc starts, porosity, black soot, poor gas coverage, tungsten slipping, cup cracking, and inconsistent bead color. The problem is often not…
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TIG Tungsten Balling Causes on AC Welding: Aluminum Setup, AC Balance, Amperage, and Electrode Choice
TIG tungsten balls on AC because the electrode is getting too hot at the tip. A small controlled ball can be normal on older transformer-style AC aluminum welding, especially with pure or…
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TIG Shielding Gas Coverage Troubleshooting: Porosity, Soot, Tungsten Color, and Cup Setup
Poor TIG shielding gas coverage shows up as porosity, gray or black weld color, dirty tungsten, unstable arc starts, sugaring on stainless, and oxidation around the bead. The most common causes are…