Post, Freight and Carriers

How do I know if my Harbor Freight TIG is scratch or lift start?

though visually everything has impressed me so far in terms of quality, the directions suck. it is a 165 amp DC inverter, digital readout, item 98233. is it lift or scratch? there is no indication. My background- proficient in MIG, flux, arc and gas, only TIG welded a couple times with a super high dollar machine in a class, not good at it, don't know much about it, bought this to learn. if its not obvious i have not tried it yet, waiting for my filler rods to come in the mail, i ask now because i dont want to wreck my tungstens if i dont have to. also, please do not make this a harbor freight bash session, there are plenty of other forums for that.

Public Comments

1. Scratching shouldn't be need to TIG weld. I've found that it depends on the machine and the tungsten. With cheaper equipment and tungsten, I've had to scratch.
2. Just get the Tungsten close. If it puddles you need practice. Grind the tungsten so the small grooves will be Parallel to the tungsten. make sure first that everything is set right. the biggest mistake welders make. when you scratch turn the cup on the side and scratch and release quickly. after you get it it will be 2nd nature