False Start

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Just started welding with a flux cored type Lincoln 110v machine and I'm trying to figure out why sometimes I dont get an arc and wondering if this could be a grounding issue. I am welding metal from Lowes that is black, I grind the welding areas but maybe need to grind a ground area too?  I did do this and started clamping closer to the weld point and it seemed to be more consistent but wanted to know if this is a valid reason?My reason for asking is I have seen people ground the table and just weld on it and I would like to do the same and not worry about a ground. My welding process is I have about a 1/4" of wire showing, I touch the wire to the metal with trigger off to hold a position, put hood down, back off a bit, hit the trigger, look for joint.Hardric
Reply:I grind a spot for my ground on everything.David Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:yep sure sounds like a poor ground. Do what david says and your problem should be fixed.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:Sometimes the tip of the wire will be a bit burned after stopping a weld. Every once in a while, everyone has this problem with a false start. Good grounds definitely help. But with fluxcore, it can happen more often. Plus, you are using a small machine, and sometimes the arc won't be made well with the contact, and you don't have so many amps to really set things off blazing instantly. If fluxcore is giving you issues, cut the balled tip off the wire and you will get a clean arc when you start.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:Great, thanks gents for the good info.Hardric
Reply:Good ground and snip your wire.  Using wire cutters to create a new end on the wire helps.  I always do that when welding something critical or doing a weld test.
Reply:Originally Posted by HardricI am welding metal from Lowes that is black, I grind the welding areas but maybe need to grind a ground area too? YES I did do this and started clamping closer to the weld pointNo need to clamp closer- just clean the Paint off for the "ground" clamp and it seemed to be more consistent but wanted to know if this is a valid reason?My reason for asking is I have seen people ground the table and just weld on it and I would like to do the same and not worry about a ground. the steel that touches the table will have to be bare My welding process is I have about a 1/4" of wire showing, I touch the wire to the metal with trigger off to hold a position, put hood down, back off a bit, hit the trigger, look for joint.
Reply:Originally Posted by lotechmanGood ground and snip your wire.  Using wire cutters to create a new end on the wire helps.  I always do that when welding something critical or doing a weld test.