starting arc with tig

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I just got my tig hooked up and tried it out.Is the only way you can start an arc with this is by foot pedal?The book that came with it is not very great,has nothing about welding setup.It has been about 15 years since I done any tig welding.How far in the cup or out of cup should the electrode be.Where can I find a chart on what size electrode and filler rod and  what kind to use.I will be mainly welding steel from 20 gauge -3/16.What polarity should I set on to do steel?Any information would be helpful until I can get a book.It is a lincoln pt 275.
Reply:go to Lincoln's web site, www.lincolnelectric.com, there is very helpful information there.  for steel set the machine up dc straight (electrode negative).A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:how should electrode be in the cup (recessed,flush or ????)
Reply:Usually the average is 1/8 stick out past the cup.  But, sometimes I have extended out a bit further to reach a tight corner weld.  A good book, but somewhat pricey, that gives good info on all aspects/processes of welding is "Modern Welding" by Althouse, Turnquist, Bowditch, and Bowditch.  It shows and gives examples of typical setups of just about all welding, oxyfuel, and plasma setups.  It wont teach you how to weld but will head you in the right direction.  Also, Lincolnelectric's web site has helpful articles on setup and settings.  You will have to see what works for you and what doesnt.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:As a note, if you cant find the book in a local book store or library, you might check with a technical training school as thats where I obtained my copy.  Keep it around to double check myself occassionally.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:electrode size up to 1/8 mild steel=1/16,up to 3/16 mild steel=3/32.  These are recomendations not set in stone, again what works for you is what matters.  With the two different size electrodes you will need two different size collets and two different size collet bodies, 1/8 and 3/32.A few of my toys !LinuxMintManjaroMiller Roughneck 2E Lincoln WeldPak 100HTP MTS 160 Chicago Electric 80amp Inverter   Victor O/A
Reply:scottsdale,I usually use about 1 - 2 electrode diameters stickout past the cup for general welding, and 2 - 3 electrode diameters when welding T joints.
Reply:thanks for all information,is the only way to start the arc is with foot pedal?
Reply:on that machine yes im pretty sure eather that or a hand controll maybe scratch start but u dont want to use that
Reply:Miller offers a pretty good guide online that you can download (pdf) or purchase and have it sent to you.Check it out here: Miller TIG Handbook
Reply:my two cents,  I was taught to use the dia as the stick out length, however, its not critical.  So for instance I mostly used a 3/32" I do believe, and therefore we just eyed up for approx that stick out.  If for certain joint,  particular on a stainless fillet, stick it out a tad more than normal and turn the gas a tad higher to make sure it covered.  Worked for me, its worth a shot,  any suggestions?