I think it is better to use a secondary SCR system. The fact that the mains is still connected to the transformer primary will help to damp out the back EMF from the transformer. If you switch the primary, you will be relying on the arc. I can not see any schematics.
Frank
Thanks.
I have seen welders has most of the time SCR on secondairy, I talk about older ones because it go more inverter like ones.
I need a formula to get the amps needed on a 40 % duty cycle basis, I do not find them easely.
With this duty cycle I can use smaller trafos, and thinner wire, so I can try to fill the trafo core more efficient.
I will in future go build a inverter for in the Co2 welder, arcs are better,, more stable.
I go try to find a SCR secondairy, you are right back emf can give trouble for the triacs or thyristors, and the need of big ones,
however all trafo co2 welders has a relays in the primairy winding who go on and of all te time.
What is best I try both.
I have bought this trafo, 18 kilo iron, 16 x 13 x10.2 cm.
What concers welder inverter I do see some here, but normally trafo uses litze wire, why some do use copper strip
for secondairy instead? no heat problem with skin effect losses?.
thanks again.
kees