Lincoln Ranger 8 tig welding help!

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I purchased a lincoln ranger 8 with the kohler 20 horse a few weeks ago. This machine only has 70 hrs on it, anyways i let a friend borrow it so he can take his weld test at a fab shop he is fixing to start working at. It was a butt weld tig all the way out. He called me today and told me the machine was no good, it wouldnt stay at a constant amperage. He had to keep turning it up and it wouldnt do anything. After adjusting a few times he went to strike an arc again with the amps almost maxed out, he said it was still really cold then all the sudden it got really hot. It would do the same thing when he tried lowering the amps. It would stay hot then finally get really cold. He said there was no issue with it idling up or anything it all sounded fine. He had it set on DC positive with the leads crossed. Any help would be very appreciated im new to this site and in the process of trying to break out as a welder. Im not sure if the machine requires the k930-2 tig module for any kind of tig welding. I figured that is only needed for high frequency welding for aluminum??
Reply:First thing I'd do is check all the lead connections, and then the quality of the leads / torch. Sounds like something is loose to me.Don’t pay any attention to meI’m just a hobbyist!CarlDynasty 300V350-Pro w/pulseSG Spool gun1937 IdealArc-300PowerArc 200ST3 SA-200sVantage 400
Reply:Dc positive ???
Reply:I have a new-ish Ranger 8 with the same set up. I still don't understand what the issue may be. Perhaps he set thee coarse adjustment in between contacts, and burned the contacts. Im confused, though. Is he using a remote? Scratch start, no box, correct?
Reply:He was just doing regular scratch start tig welding on carbon steel pipe with no remote or box.He is going to try and mess with it more today I will tell him double check all connections.The machine has low hours so I'm hoping its just something minor or maybe we are overlooking something simple.Thanks for the advice
Reply:Originally Posted by Old SkoolDc positive ???
Reply:I have a ranger 8 also, and do a fair amount of scratch start tig on mine. yes, DC + with the leads crossed should be exactly the same as DC-. I have had no issue with scratch starting or amperage problems, it stays where I set it. Has he tried burning some stick rods with it, or have you? If it has the same problems burninng rods then you got a problem with your tig set up. You dont need a tig box, thats just for running high freq. off it. Let us know more when you find out. Could be soemthing as simple as loose leads, wire, etc. Doug
Reply:Originally Posted by JJamesWYesir with the leads crossed so should actually dc negative. He said he tried both ways but kept doing the same thing.
Reply:Originally Posted by freshintulsaI have a ranger 8 also, and do a fair amount of scratch start tig on mine. yes, DC + with the leads crossed should be exactly the same as DC-. I have had no issue with scratch starting or amperage problems, it stays where I set it. Has he tried burning some stick rods with it, or have you? If it has the same problems burninng rods then you got a problem with your tig set up. You dont need a tig box, thats just for running high freq. off it. Let us know more when you find out. Could be soemthing as simple as loose leads, wire, etc. Doug
Reply:Originally Posted by duaneb55Three questions:1) Unit code#?2) Does the auxiliary output voltage fluctuate with the weld output?3) Why would he set the machine to DC+ and then switch the leads to achieve the proper straight polarity?  Why not just connect the leads to the designated output posts and use the polarity switch for DC- as intended?  OK, that was four questions.
Reply:He just brought the machine back, i burned a few stick rods and it welded great. Im gunna get some argon tomorrow and tig with it. I noticed though one of the female lead terminals on the machine is loose causing the male terminal just to spin inside. Maybe he just didnt have a proper connection? We will see how she welds tomorrow!
Reply:Did you find out what the problem was with the tig welding? Did you need the high frequency box or was it just the loose connection?
Reply:Yea it welds just fine I havent had any trouble out of it no hf box needed only if your welding aluminum.