Welding Tips and Tricks

Hi, All,

I could use some suggestions. I have a new Everlast 161STH. Received it just about a month ago. It is based on their popular 160STH and has a bunch of new features. One of those for the Stick mode is Hot Start Intensity. Some of you probably have Everlast stick/tig machines with this feature. What setting should I use?

Actually, as I scroll through the stick setup menu, there is Hot Start Intensity (%), Hot Start Time (Sec), and Stick Arc Force (%). As I received it from Everlast, these three parameters are set for 0%, 0.0 Sec, and 100%. Assuming I am welding on 1/8" steel with a 7018 rod, what would I want these three set for? Any suggestions?

Thanks for your help. A Happy Labor Day to all!

Dave

Some machines use a scale of 0 to 100 or 0 to 10. On either I run between 0 and 3 or 0 and 30 for 7018. I use 7 to 10 or 70 to 100 for 6010. Hot start is a mater of preference. If your machine has low open circuit voltage then turning on the hot start will help you light up or if there is lots of corrosion. However higher amps on startup can be a double edged sword. I use about 5 to 10 amps when I use hot start.