Cheap TIG machine, seller says not to do stick mode

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First post here, good day.I bought a shamefully cheap 200 amp DC TIG machine. It actually works well as intended. I did open it up, and it looks surprisingly good, well executed solder joints, copper inductors, grounded, conformal coated boards. All for 170 USD.The online seller says it's TIG only, "will not do MMA" (stick). I asked why? Rep said, "voltage low that machine". He was barely able to speak English, so it's not really his fault. There is definitely no specific mode for stick. I kind of believe it can do MMA, just that they wanted to save a few dollars not supplying the stinger or mode switch.The specifications says "56 V no load". To me this seems enough plenty to weld stick. I have 3 connectors; Gas/positive, Negative DIN, and Positive DIN. Is there any other issues I am missing? Like the arc starting circuit for TIG could be damaged by stick welding? The China manufacturer is of course not replying to emails. I was just planning to shut the argon off, connect stinger to Neg, ground to Pos, and have at it with 6011. Sad if I blow it up though. Any other opinions than it is a cheap POS? (I know that part, friends)CheersWiking
Reply:Like he said, if it is configured for TIG specifically, the voltage will be low to sustain a stick welding arc.  The No-load voltage might be able to initiate it, but you will soon find out [under actual load] it will snuff out each and every single time.  I don't think anything will happen to it.  You just won't be able to do jack with it.

  I tried this on my Inverarc 160 Plus stick welder.  It has a switch for TIG/Arc (aka stick).  Won't hold the arc with any electrode if left on the TIG setting.

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Reply:Thanks Oscar, that does make sense then. Fortunately these little stick machines are even more ridiculously cheap, and use the same DIN connectors


Reply:My Syncrowave did not have a stick/TIG mode switch, and it was an awesome stick welder. I also liked the way it TIG welded much better than my previous AHP TIG welder. I wonder if that was because the syncrowave might have had a higher OCV? I wouldn't want nor would I trust a TIG welder that wasn't a good stick welder.Miller Multimatic 255
Reply:That is interesting, thanks. Do you know the OCV of your Synchrowave?