Arc cutting out, me or machine?

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While I take a moment to let my welder cool down I have a question that I need to ask.I've been trying to run longer beads to practice as suggested by some members and have noticed that sometimes when I'm welding the arc randomly cuts out. I'm not changing my travel speed, and I'm pretty sure my electrode angle and arc length are the same but it seems like I go for a half inch or more (sometimes less) and for no reason that I can tell the arc cuts out. But as soon as I touch it to the piece it starts up again. Is there something I'm doing wrong or could it be the machines fault? I'm so confused.Thanks in advance.Settings and welder, 90 amps (the max), craftsman 95 arc welder, 3/32" 6013s. Roughly 3/16" thick steel (yes I know the steel is too thick to get good penetration but it was the thinnest scrap they had at the moment)Craftsman 90 amp Arc welder
Reply:When you get your little Lincoln you'll likely find that the problem goes away Dave J.Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance. ~George Bernard Shaw~ Syncro 350Invertec v250-sThermal Arc 161 and 300MM210DialarcTried being normal once, didn't take....I think it was a Tuesday.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveWhen you get your little Lincoln you'll likely find that the problem goes away
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauIf it doesn't, then you know for sure it's you, not the Craftsman. If it goes away, then it was the 90 amper.
Reply:I hope you get this down, before you start on MY BOAT.
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauI hope you get this down, before you start on MY BOAT.
Reply:Never been able to strike an arc with a hot glue gun myself, have you?
Reply:Originally Posted by BistineauNever been able to strike an arc with a hot glue gun myself, have you?
Reply:You need to fray the power cord somewhat and then it will arc just fine. Chances are high it's mostly the machine. Those little machines don't want to run 3/32" rods very well. You are right at the minimum for the rod most times and the max of the machine. Any hiccup from you are the machine will usually snuff the arc. As mentioned as soon as you get your new machine, I'm betting this issue goes away..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYou need to fray the power cord somewhat and then it will arc just fine. Chances are high it's mostly the machine. Those little machines don't want to run 3/32" rods very well. You are right at the minimum for the rod most times and the max of the machine. Any hiccup from you are the machine will usually snuff the arc. As mentioned as soon as you get your new machine, I'm betting this issue goes away.
Reply:Rods. I had a box of Hobart 5/32 7018 that would do that. Frustrated me to the point where I threw Stinger down and watched the plastic shatter, then put the cap on the box and gave it a good running field goal kick into the pond behind my shop. Theyre still there, unless the gators and moccasins had a craving for some low hydrogen rods.
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13Rods. I had a box of Hobart 5/32 7018 that would do that. Frustrated me to the point where I threw Stinger down and watched the plastic shatter, then put the cap on the box and gave it a good running field goal kick into the pond behind my shop. Theyre still there, unless the gators and moccasins had a craving for some low hydrogen rods.
Reply:Originally Posted by AKweldshopSounds like me with 6013.....
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13My 6013s collect dust. I let the nephews and friends and  little ones use them for practice
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYou need to fray the power cord somewhat and then it will arc just fine. Chances are high it's mostly the machine. Those little machines don't want to run 3/32" rods very well. You are right at the minimum for the rod most times and the max of the machine. Any hiccup from you are the machine will usually snuff the arc. As mentioned as soon as you get your new machine, I'm betting this issue goes away.
Reply:Yeah tiny rods don't have much use in industry today, so most professional supply places won't stock them. Best bet is either at a box store, like Tractor Supply, Home Depot/Lowes or possibly even Sears. Online would be the other option.Selection is usually pretty limited. 6011 is usually stocked in small sizes like 1/16" or 5/64", possibly 6013. I used to be able to find 7014 in those sizes, but that seems to have dried up for what ever reason. 7018 shows up some times, but with small machines, about 1/2 are AC only units and may not run 7018 well..No government ever voluntarily reduces itself in size. Government programs, once launched, never disappear. Actually, a government bureau is the nearest thing to eternal life we'll ever see on this earth! Ronald Reagan
Reply:Originally Posted by DSWYeah tiny rods don't have much use in industry today, so most professional supply places won't stock them. Best bet is either at a box store, like Tractor Supply, Home Depot/Lowes or possibly even Sears. Online would be the other option.Selection is usually pretty limited. 6011 is usually stocked in small sizes like 1/16" or 5/64", possibly 6013. I used to be able to find 7014 in those sizes, but that seems to have dried up for what ever reason. 7018 shows up some times, but with small machines, about 1/2 are AC only units and may not run 7018 well.
Reply:Originally Posted by lighttekkuYeah. TSC sells all their rods for like $10 a pound, too much for my blood. And our Sears just went out of business. Heck, tried home depot and all they stock is 1/8" and bigger here. No Lowes around here. Even the local Airgas only sells 3/32" and larger (although they happened to have one pound of 1/16" once, haven't ha it since). Sounds like online it is. Guess I gotta get a credit card.
Reply:Originally Posted by swampwelder13Is there a Napa around you?