Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi folks. Today was a nice day, so I spend some time in the old garage. I thought I would fire up the old welder and play. I have never had success scratch starting without doing some damage to my tungsten tip. Can someone advise on scratch starting on steel? I don't have a foot option on my welder for starting.

Thanks


Machine is a Powcon

Try using a small piece of copper to start your arc on instead of your work piece.

Hold your tungsten about 1/8" off the work with the cup resting on the work. Drag your filler across the work and tungsten to close the circuit for a split second which will establish an arc.

Well, here is the issue. I am using a standard welding helmet. I know, I know. Autoshade is
the way to go. I am really picky. I don't like the green that is displayed via the autoshade hoods. I wish the mfgs could make an autoshade with no green in it.

Besides that, I tried copper. Of course this was 1 scratch, and I got the copper on the tip. Back to grinding.

I tried my friends Miller syncrowave and at least I could run a beed. (First time welding on aluminum) I think I need to move much faster or turn the heat down something to that effect.

Anyway, I will try the cup on the table and use the filler rod trick.

BTW, is it possible to not scratch start on DC?? can one use a hand or foot puddle to start the arc??

Thanks

If you have high frequency you can start an arc without touching the work piece.

No offense meant what so ever but as a NOOB I have found (and been told by my teachers every day) SPEED KILLS.