Abstract: My invention is an improvement to a welding arc igniter. My invention periodically disables the arc igniter for one or more AC half-cycles. When the igniter skips an AC half-cycle, the welding arc may not ignite, so average weld heat is reduced. AC weld heat can be adjusted in real time, by varying the fraction of AC half-cycles that are skipped. AC polarity balance can be adjusted in real time, by preferentially skipping the electrode-positive or electrode-negative half-cycles.

Abstract: My invention is an improvement to a welding arc igniter. My invention periodically disables the arc igniter for one or more AC half-cycles. When the igniter skips an AC half-cycle, the welding arc may not ignite, so average weld heat is reduced. AC weld heat can be adjusted in real time, by varying the fraction of AC half-cycles that are skipped. AC polarity balance can be adjusted in real time, by preferentially skipping the electrode-positive or electrode-negative half-cycles.

Abstract: An electric welding arc starter powered by a switching regulator, which draws its input current from the weld cables. Optionally, the regulator temporarily reduces its input current after the arc igniter fires. Optionally, the regulator temporarily increases its input current before the arc igniter fires.