Stick blowing up

[stevenopolis]

Having an issue with my 325ext in stick mode. Every time I get close to short circuit, it's almost like the end of the rod blows out, crazy arc, and crazy heat, then it settles back down. No other machine I've used is like this... Any thoughts?

[zoama]

Having an issue with my 325ext in stick mode. Every time I get close to short circuit, it's almost like the end of the rod blows out, crazy arc, and crazy heat, then it settles back down. No other machine I've used is like this... Any thoughts?

Arc force set too high?

[performance]

Yes Zoama you are probably on to something, or it is short circuiting and hot start is kicking back in.

[stevenopolis]

Arc force 35 and hot start 0. Seems to be the same out come with arc force at 100, I notice the change in the arc.

[performance]

What electrode are you welding with? Set it to 0 and see if it is better. How long have you had your unit?

[stevenopolis]

Lincoln e7018. Received it in march.

[TheGary]

Try a different rod that is not low hydrogen. Or redry your 7018 rod and see if it still does it. If it has been in an open container since march it could have a lot of moisture in it. You can re dry it by heating it to around 300 deg. for a few hrs.

[stevenopolis]

The welders from march. Use new 10 lb rod containers. I'll play with it this evening maybe.

[performance]

Lower your arc force setting to 0. There will still be some small activity, but it should be less violent. Are you running electrode negative?

[stevenopolis]

Electrode positive.

[stevenopolis]

Definitely the arc force control. Why does it do this? Is there a fix available? ??

[Rambozo]

Definitely the arc force control. Why does it do this? Is there a fix available? ??

Different settings are used for different rods and techniques. Inverters also require different techniques than transformers or engine drives. Once you get the knack of how the new features work, they can actually be pretty nice, but there is a learning curve, for sure.

[stevenopolis]

I guess I'm just too accustomed to my powcons. I can bury the rod pretty close and not snuff out like the everlast.

[stevenopolis]

But when I run it right, the results are superior to the powcons.

[stevenopolis]

Especially when you are out of position

[TheGary]

What is powcons?

[Rambozo]

What is powcons?

I guess they used to be a US brand, but are now made in Italy?

[stevenopolis]

Nah. Still us. Bought out by miller in the mid 90's, similar design still in production by Arcon. Good stuff. SCR inverters.

[TheGary]

I do not know of any U.S. made inverters, My Thermal arc is made in italy. Millers and lincolns used to be made in italy, I think they are made in china now but am not sure.

[stevenopolis]

Arconweld.com they are bullet proof. One of my powcons took a four foot fall while welding, didn't miss a beat.