Miller Maxstar start problems

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I bought a used Miller Maxstar 150 and I am having a hard time getting it to strike an arc.  Once I get an arc it welds great.  My other welder is an older Miller Thunderbolt AC/DC, so I have been stick welding long enough to know how to do it (I admit I'm not a pro by any means, but I do know how to strike an arc!).  Any ideas on what the problem could be?
Reply:Are you connecting it DCEP or DCEN? What kind of metal are you working with and what is your setting on the machine? I have a Maxstar 150, had some problems first time I tried to weld stainless with stick (no shop, didn't think it was worth wasting time and metal trying to TIG outside  ). Polarity issues in that case.RuthThe family toys:Miller Maxstar 150 S, with TIGGoWeld baby wirefeedOxy/Acetylene rig
Reply:Welding DCEP, mild steel, setting doesn't seem to matter... anywhere from 85 - 120 amps with common rods.  As I mentioned, once I get an arc, the machine does great, and displays the proper characteristics for the rod and amperage I am using.  The previous owner had fabed a ground clamp out of a spring type metal hand clamp  (the type you see in the bargain bins from time to time at Lowes and Home Depot)... I am wondering if this might be the problem.
Reply:We have several types of industrial spring ground clamps at work that run fine.What rods are you using? Do you have this problem with just 7018? Have you tried 6013? or 7014?JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:I have this problem with all common rods, 6011, 6013, 7014, and 7018.  My 7018's are dry also.
Reply:IF you suspect the ground, change it out.  If you aren't getting a good ground then all rods will be hard to start.  Once the ground arcs, it will make better contact and run fine.  Sounds just like the problem you are describing.My name's not Jim....
Reply:I work at Home Depot, and I wouldn't use anything other then the actual welding supplies they sell in welding!! I'd definitely get a proper ground on it.The family toys:Miller Maxstar 150 S, with TIGGoWeld baby wirefeedOxy/Acetylene rig