Tig welding tips, questions, equipment, applications, instructions, techniques, tig welding machines, troubleshooting tig welding process
BetheRod
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    Sun Nov 11, 2018 12:23 am

I have been shocked twice now when welding in Tig mode. Is it just my ESAB Rebel or is my machine faulty?
I’m thinking it puts out a higher voltage during the HF start.
tweake
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    Mon Dec 18, 2017 4:53 am
  • Location:
    New Zealand

HF is very high voltage (but very little current) as it has to jump the gap and ionize the gas flow before welding current can flow.
one of my welders has a very strong hf and tends to bite a little. the other has a weak hf and often fails to light when welding stainless with 2% lanthinated tungsten's (ok with some other tungsten's).

it depends on if your getting shock from the hf or main current. of course don't be a path to ground. make sure the work is well grounded, i use a third hand with silbronze feet (jody has a video on that). also watch your torch angle, otherwise current can jump over to the filler rod (6061 did a recent video on that). wear gloves and sleeves so your not having bare skin on the metal making a circuit.
tweak it until it breaks
cj737
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    Thu Sep 29, 2016 8:59 am

I had to lay on the bottom of an aluminum boat to repair some holes in the keel a few years back. Any time I slipped off a towel and had an arm, torso or body part touching the keel, Zap! Welding is fun but can be dangerous.

You didn’t indicate “how” you got zapped or conditions that led to it so it’s difficult to advise.
ekbmuts
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    Mon Nov 27, 2017 11:48 pm
  • Location:
    USA

I have shocked myself by leaning on my steel welding table with bare arms while welding.

You become part of the electrical return path so the current runs right through you...
Mathius
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    Thu Apr 17, 2025 5:45 pm

Might sound dumb, but watch out for moisture. I have been electrocuted and electrocuted an apprentice once, due to sweat. Watch where you're making contact with the grounded area/part and make sure it's dry.
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