Welding Tips and Tricks

This is my first post for the forum, so I hope this is in the right spot. I have an Everlast 200DV and I’m new to tig. I have this problem when welding aluminum where the arc seems to die down or get weaker in the middle of the weld. It usually resumes back to normal if I keep progressing but if I camp out on the spot I’m welding it seems to flicker between a weak and regular arc. I’ve been brushing this off as operator error but I still haven’t figured out what’s causing it wether it’s me or my machine/setup. I’m hoping that it’s just something I’m doing wrong and not my machine. If anyone has had any similar experiences or solutions please reply.
I’m using:
7 cup
E3 tungsten
4043 filler
All of the accessories that come with the Everlast except an older argon hose


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Are you slowly pulling the torch back making the arc too long?

Tough call since we're not there to see it nor see you weld. Remember, it's always something that you don't think is an issue (assuming the machine is fine).

I can hold my arc length pretty dead still because I have my wrist propped. It’s almost like it’s pulsing but inconsistently and less defined.

where is your work clamp attached to?

Usually within a few feet of the weld. Maybe I’ll mess around with that.


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All your ground contact should have good contacts. Ground connected surfaces should not be covered with any insulating coatings. Especially close the target and shielding rings.
There should be no ultra thin metal deposits on insulators used for mounting cathodes. They all should be clean.

Update?