First Machine - First questions!

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Well today was the day i've been waiting for! Had the outlet wired and buttoned up today and got started running some beads! I accumulated a nice stock pile of aluminum but didn't really get much steel, so I'm just starting with that since steel is supposed to be a little more predictable anyhow. Ran 1 bead w/out filler and 1 with! Things took a rollercoaster from there as I learn the machine.My big question is getting an arc started. There were a few times I couldn't get one going w/out actually touching the tungten(pure) to the piece. I fiddled w/ my  ground and had this happen occasionally even clamped to the piece. I know the HF was working I was getting shocked a little through the piece after it failed to start. Seemed like if I had a balled up tungsten my starts were easier than if I had a point ground down.  Any tips for getting 100% consistant starts? Maybe i'm holding too far from work piece?
Reply:This can't be your first time , is it?Miller trailblazer301gLincoln sa200Miller251Miller spectrum 625Victor oxy-acc2002 Chevy duramax 3500 dually 4x4
Reply:Yes I'll take that as a compliment?? But I think I had a little beginners luck also because I didn't think much about it I just did it. Anyhow I got some more time w/ the machine now and starts seemed fine. I think its just learning it all. I found it to be good using the tungsten as a point and letting it dull out a tad on a start.
Reply:That one in the pic is you're first tig weld ever? Take it as a compliment.Miller trailblazer301gLincoln sa200Miller251Miller spectrum 625Victor oxy-acc2002 Chevy duramax 3500 dually 4x4
Reply:Originally Posted by dumpWell today was the day i've been waiting for! Had the outlet wired and buttoned up today and got started running some beads! I accumulated a nice stock pile of aluminum but didn't really get much steel, so I'm just starting with that since steel is supposed to be a little more predictable anyhow. Ran 1 bead w/out filler and 1 with! Things took a rollercoaster from there as I learn the machine.My big question is getting an arc started. There were a few times I couldn't get one going w/out actually touching the tungten(pure) to the piece. I fiddled w/ my  ground and had this happen occasionally even clamped to the piece. I know the HF was working I was getting shocked a little through the piece after it failed to start. Seemed like if I had a balled up tungsten my starts were easier than if I had a point ground down.  Any tips for getting 100% consistant starts? Maybe i'm holding too far from work piece?
Reply:More garage time tonight!! I was practicing filling some holes. I took this clothesline type pole (not sure what gauge) and drilled some holes to practice filling.
Reply:That is beautiful for a first time! Congrats! Stay with it. As someone mentioned earlier, keep on eye on your collet and collet body. They are copper and will oxide over time, creating a little extra resistance. It could cause a little bit of a hamper trying to start sometimes. Nice job! Remember too, clean your aluminum before you weld. Aluminum melts around 1202*, but aluminum oxide won't burn until 2400*-2600*.
Reply:I would want to know what welding machine you are using.AWS certified welding inspectorAWS certified welder
Reply:Originally Posted by Donald BranscomI would want to know what welding machine you are using.