Using welding magnets

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I am by no means a professional welder, just a hobby welder.  I was using my Thermal Arc ArcMaster 200 set on DC. I ran into something that was kind of strange.  I have some of those Strong Hands welding magnets that you can turn off an on.  I prefer to clamp things down but I had use the magnet for this particular piece.  The magnet was really close to the spot that I was working on.  I was TIG welding a small tab on some 1/8" mild steel and I could not get the arc to act right.  I couldn't get the arc focused to form a puddle.  It was jumping all over the place and flaring up.  It was almost like I had no gas or some serious contamination even though I had removed the mill scale.  I even stepped on the foot pedal to give it more amperage but no go. I had it set for 160 max. amps.  I was finally able to get a small tack to hold the piece in place.  Once I took the magnet away to finish the weld, everything was normal again.  I've used those magnets hundreds of times and never experienced anything like that before.  Could the magnet have been the cause?
Reply:Yep, magnets will mess with a tig arc.HammerFile Big Hammer------------------------------Here, let me Google that for you...
Reply:If you read the package, it usually says not to use them with DC welding. You could go to AC just long enough to get your tacks in place, then remove the magnets and weld on DC.PapaLincoln Idealarc 250 (circa 1962)Lincoln Weldpak 155 w/Mig KitLincoln Squarewave TIG 175
Reply:Learn something new every day!  Thanks for the responses.
Reply:Google Arc Blow.Lincoln AC/DC 225/125 and WP17. 75A AC is for pipe thawing!HH 140 - new addtion 9/2012.I didn't agree, but hoped for Hope and Change.I got change for myself and my family: for the worse.This is the reality of: Barackalypse Now. Again.
Reply:It's funny to put a magnet opposite someone welding....