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Thread: New 140ST owner has question about electrode initial sticking

  1. Default New 140ST owner has question about electrode initial sticking

    Hello, new to the forum and a new owner of 140ST machine. I am just wanting to stick weld. I have some limited stick experience. My question is, after playing around with the machine, the electrode is sticking on a cold piece of steel using a new electrode. After several tries, the arc starts and the machine welds great. Very smooth. Arc can be restarted fine after the initial sticking. I am using 6013 3/32 electrodes running about 60A on both 220 and 110v. Just wondering what you think might be causing the initial sticking? I am amazed at how small this machine is. My only experience is from the older style transformer-type machines. Thanks for any advice!

  2. #2
    Join Date
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    Default

    That's why they call it "stick" welding.

    It just takes practice to strike a clean arc. Even more practice to strike it exactly where you want to. 6013 isn't too bad for clean starts. Use a motion like striking a match, where you are moving the stick before it touches the metal, then pull away just a bit as the arc starts. Different rods start differently and especially restarts. You might want to bump up your amperage a little depending on the material you are welding. Also make sure the 140ST is set in the stick mode, so the auto hot start feature will work.
    Long arc, short arc, heliarc and in-the-dark!

  3. Default

    Thanks, Rambozo. I started with the match method and it starts much better. I also checked the TIG/Stick switch and I did have it on "Stick". In the past I have started rods by the "Tap" method. I am still using that once the rod is no longer new. It lets me start the arc exactly where I want. I also have a new auto-darkening helmet. It is great. I wish I had had it when I learned to weld many years ago.

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