I have one of those that I use around the house as a backup or when I don't want to get the lens on my 3350 dirty. It's a good basic hood, but it's definitely not that clear. A lot of being able to see the base material has to do with what kind of ambient light you have.
Turning up the amps may help. Before changing settings try drag starting your rod ,sort of like striking a match. Obviously do it on a chunk of scrap. Another thing is that different rods have very different behaviors. A small diameter 60 series rod will strike much easier than a larger diameter 70 series rod. Another thing with a 7018 series rod is that if you stick it, the flux will crack and break off. That can create more strike problems for you. PLUS!!!! a 7018 rod needs a solid contact making a 45* match strike type start nearly impossible as you need to be within about 15* of vertical. You'll get it. The only way to learn is to burn rod.
Using 7018 at a 15 degree. Seems like it sticks most times before I can react.
I'll give your explanation a whirl.
Remember advice is worth exactly what you paid for it,,,,,,
Worried there could be issues with potatos?
Don't cook the 'taters first.
potatoes? Not THAT bad^^ thank goodness. Just sensitive, especially using smartphone.
As a young buck, I was offered a position with a Structural Fabrication Co. My first week, I drove a pilot car for a crane to a job site. While there, one of the roughneck type welders yelled down to me to get him a can of Arc Start. I was a Tig welder in school and the owner was paying my way through mechanical drafting and AutoCad to assist with shop detailing.
Not uncomfortable acknowledging I know jack chit about welding.As a young buck, I was offered a position with a Structural Fabrication Co. My first week, I drove a pilot car for a crane to a job site. While there, one of the roughneck type welders yelled down to me to get him a can of Arc Start. I was a Tig welder in school and the owner was paying my way through mechanical drafting and AutoCad to assist with shop detailing.
Long story short, I went his rig and was opening doors left and right... Haha! Then asked another and he got on me saying I was holding up the show "Get the f#$%ing Arc Start to him ASAP! Stop F$%#ing around!"... Still not finding it, I went to the big boss who laughed his head off.
Arc Start - The good, Bad, and the Ugly of great memories.
Was intended in pure good humor, @Hem
Welcome to the dairy industry
I recently had to start using my “readers” when I weld.
So frustrating. Tig welding requires being able to see more than any other to keep that tip out of the puddle. Not having a good view really makes things harder. MIG I could do a lot of welds without looking.
