[lazylabs]

I have a fair bit of MIG and stick welding experience. I bought a TIG torch to hookup to my miller thunderbolt stick welder and need to weld some 304 stainless. I believe I have the hookups correct WP17 weldcraft torch 5/32 tungsten, pure argon set at 15. I get ready to try my first arc at 40 amps. I am thinking I will scratch start and get a fairly small arc and wow was I wrong. I got a big flash and the tungsten just disappeared. The cup was just covered in vaporized tungsten and it melted to a ball right up to the collet. I have no idea where to start from here............ help!

[admin]

sounds like you are on reverse polarity...aka dcep

you may have the leads swapped in which case your polarity selector will be lying to you.

[lazylabs]

That was it, thanks. It's working quite a bit better now but I am still way too hot. I have my welder turned down as low as it will go and still get a puddle over 1/4" wide almost instantly. Thanks for the help.