Don't mind if I ask questions do you?

[Bill Edwards]

What inverter are you running bill? Pleased you'll get a job out of them, wish I had a use for them!

Inverter fusion PHF 200. It's 180a stick, 200a HF TIG with all the bells and whistles, though I've yet to actually try TIG but I've got the machine for it.
Cellulose compatible of course and a remarkable duty cycle (100% is at something like 150/160 amps), and it should stretch to the big celly rods. The one complaint is the eye watering cost when it packed up.

 

[addjunkie]

I still to this day after almost 40 years sticking metal together both at work in the early days and now as a hobby often use my left hand gloved to steady the end of the rod, similar to steadying a mig torch, if the position is awkard. Find i get much better results.

 

[Bill Edwards]

I still to this day after almost 40 years sticking metal together both at work in the early days and now as a hobby often use my left hand gloved to steady the end of the rod, similar to steadying a mig torch, if the position is awkard. Find i get much better results.

Likewise, I seem to find it most useful on vertical up.

 

[Omniata]

Have a look here:

http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/arc-starting.htm

There are two main techniques, all of us are different, we are human, what works for one might not for another. I find scratch starting easier than tapping, it's all down to personal preference.
As others have said, upping the power a little can help too...

 

[cocker]

What's the matter with the welder where your working .
Is he lacking in social skills or just skills ?

 

[addjunkie]

May be hes one of the super welder who thinks its alchemy!

 

[F124nny]

I think it's the amps maybe to low thinking about it Im going to give it ago tomorrow and I'll try both starts (scratch/tap) tomorrow see which works easiest

 

[F124nny]

This is the culprit

BTW what are you using then Oil Cooled. Engine driven or Inverter ?

Laurence

 

[Omniata]

I can hardly talk though, my Chinese combi has been fine for what I've needed it for...

 

[F124nny]

There about 15 year old but trooping on. Been told by the boss today we have a thermal arc on the way for the work shop to so that will be good