I'm having to retry this post as the first one didn't work, and I'm kind of, lets say "cranky". Much like the way I feel about my welder at this point in time. I recently replaced my toasted standard issue plasma torch (no great loss far as I'm concerned)with the suggested AR81. Of course I've got things to do and have been getting by with the torch and a grinder. Finally arrives and I get it set up (and yes I double checked everything), and all I get is this little POS arc and nothing more. Rechecked all the settings, made sure I had a good ground, even moved it closer to my work. Same results. Jiggled the cut/stick/tig switch a few times, reminded me of jiggling the handle on the toilet....Know what I mean? OK, let's set up the TIG torch and see what happens. Same crappy little POS arc and no welding action. Time to check under the hood! Removed the non-user friendly cover and checked the points for .030 gap (not the first time I've had to do this by the way) and found them spot on. They were also clean and parallel to one another. I've read a few other posts here that suggest operating the machine with the cover off to check for an arc across the points. Not so sure how to go about doing that. Must have to reassemble the the front panel w/o the top cover I guess. If it's not difficult enough teaching yourself to weld, should having to f##k with the equipment be part of the equation? Sorry needed to vent! Anyone that has/had the same problem got a solution? I could really use some help before I heave this thing over the wall and into the bushes.....Thanks. Oh, by the way, the stick welder kicks ###, but I NEED my plasma cutter and I'd really like to continue practicing TIG. Thanks again.