TIG; arc dying.

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So, I have burned about 50cf of Argon and 5lbs of 3/32" 7018 so far. Simple little scratch start, 9v torch and a powerblock. Running off of a Harbor Freight 80amp stick welder. (I got it for free, so ya know). Anyway. I have an issue of about 5-7 seconds into the bead the arc starts dying. I can save it by wipping (well, a brisk pull) *back* about 1/4" **along the attack angle**. I have experimented with flow rate (10cf-20cf), amps (30-65) on 16gauge. Pushing torwards the basemetal doesn't help, nore does angle, flow rate, filler or no, or amps. I've followed the series from chuckE2009 and Weldingtipsandtricks.com, and I haven't seen a operator error that would produce this result, that wouldn't be fixed by keeping a tight arc.  My theory is the machine just is crap, but I thought you guys might know something I'm doing wrong. I'm going to Welding school in just 6 weeks so if its the machine I'll just take a break till my start date.
Reply:I'm a little confused here. How are you using 7018 with TIG? Shouldn't you be using some kind of ER70 or R70?Currently working as a Paralegal, but still interested in hobby welding.Miller Bobcat 225ntOne- Character Fractions: ¼ ½ ¾ ⅛ ⅜ ⅝ ⅞
Reply:Sorry. That was supposed to indicate that I haven't JUST picked up a welder. My filler is ER70S-6
Reply:Seems like it is the machine, when you go to welding school the machines there will be better than what you are using. You mentioned that the welder was acquired for free. Maybe take a break from using  the welder as to not get discouraged from welding.
Reply:I've heard that is pretty typical of the HF inverter stick welders. Strike an arc and 6sec or so later it goes from 80A down to 60 or 70 something. Never experienced it myself but I've heard it a few times on here.1988 Big 50 Diesel CC/CV1982 Weldanpower 225/2101968 SAE 300 motor generatorMaxstar 200SD2015 AHP 200x"The trouble with our Liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so." - Ronald Reagan