3/32 rod, E6011, 75 amps low range. i used a grinder with sand paper disks, 80 grit. I will try cleaning up the ground/stinger contact areas.

welding 1/8 in steel that has galvi. coating that I have sanded off. when I scratch rod it just sticks and won't start bead.

is my setting to low, too high? I'm using 6011, AC machine (duel range) It's an older machine that's been cleaned up.

any suggestions?

Thx.
I'll give that a try.
James

I am trying to weld 1/8th inch steel with a galvi coating. Using an old Forney FS 225 Vw welder. Rod: 6010, 3/32th. The unit has a high & low scale. Ground is connected to ground, the stick holder to the high scale at 110 amps. It starts OK, but it either sticks or doesn't maintain a burn so I c...

Thanks TamJeff,

I don't lift the helmet until the gun is off. using 2% Thor. (green)
eye strain i understand. the sinus ache has me puzzled though.

J>

New to tig welding, use autodark helmet with back flash guard. Arc light can only get to me thru lens (set on darkest setting). I sit about 2 ft from welding surface. After welding I have dull pain in my sinuses (especially behind my nose & around my eyes. My eyes have a very mild sundburn feeli...