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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Sydney, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    1,836

    Default DIY HF Arc Starter, Need elaboration on this idea

    Hi guys some may know i just picked up a antique tig welder and it is using incredible amounts of power over 50amps from the power point, i took into consideration my options of getting a dedicated 32amp line (i may move house, renting), i have thought about petrol generators (not cost effective), than i remember a diy high frequency arc starter being made the first one i seen used batteries but that idea i think has been removed from the internet

    but there is this type pictured

    i know they are using a car ignition coil but there is no further information on the design i can't seem to find a diagram of any of these diy models, can someone please elaborate on what the internal components are called so i can look them up and see how they work and do some research?

    cheers
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  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    Batemans Bay
    Posts
    75

    Default

    G'day Gazza,
    check this link out for the circuit diagram of that unit
    High-Frequency Start Box
    Steve.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Sydney, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    1,836

    Default

    Thanks Steve

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Gazza,

    I believe that one of the reasons that these units are no longer available, is that the high voltage can break down the welder transformer insulation. I have an old buzz box welder where one of these ionizers has been fitted and it has a low resistance to earth causing it to blow the mains fuse. Swapping the live / neutral wires or removing the earth connection allows the transformer to work, but it is dangerous to use like this.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Sydney, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    1,836

    Default

    I was thinking of buying one of these

    https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Arc-Star...19.m1438.l2649

    the seller ships to Australia but by my calculations it works out about $150 AUD, Its not cheap to send anything out of the US to AU minimum like $30 USD

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Sep 2012
    Location
    York, North Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    6,439

    Default

    Hi Gazza,

    I had a look at that Ebay link. I did note that the UK is one of the countries not shipped to !
    The idea of an RF choke is good, but I don't know if that would be sufficient on its own. The idea is to prevent the high voltage RF from breaking down the welders insulation by choking it off before it can get back in there.
    Best Regards:
    Baron J.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Aug 2009
    Location
    Sydney, NSW, Australia
    Posts
    1,836

    Default

    Baron, Australia isn't on the list either mate but i just sent the seller a msg asking if posting to Aust was possible he was more than happy to

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