Arc Starting Difficulty on 225LX

[sth212]

Hey everyone, so I've had my 225LX for a little while now and I'm really happy with the way it welds. The only problem I've been having is actually starting an arc. On every other machine i've used (miller 350, lincoln 185) I've been able to strike an arc just by holding the TIG torch slightly above the workpiece and depressing the foot pedal. On this machine however, I can't seem to do that. I have to physically touch the tungsten to the workpiece in order to get anything. Is this just the way these welders are or is there something I can do about this? Has anyone else had this problem?

[zoama]

Sounds like the HF points need to be adjusted... it's a simple thing that tech support can walk you through.

[performance]

The points sound like they do need to be adjusted. Can you see a little blue "light" coming out of the front panel and hear a little buzz when you press the switch or hit the pedal? Also do you have it on HF or lift start?

[sth212]

I've been using lift start. I'll check for a blue light when I get home tonight but thanks for the input so far!

[performance]

Ahh...That's your problem. It's usually the simplest things first. Sometime in technical support, we have a tendency to jump right over a step like that because its so easy to assume that it would be correct.
Lift start is designed to touch to the metal and "lift" up to initiate the arc.

High Frequency start starts by generating a high frequency spark that starts your arc without touching the metal.

Change to HF start...unless you have a pacemaker.
Have you down loaded the manual from the website?