can you use the lift-TIG feature with a stick rod?

[AndVal]

Hello.
If I had a MMA welder with a Lift-TIG switch could I use it to tap start the stick rod easier?

 

[pedrobedro]

If the welder is that modern it will probably have hot start for the MMA function.

 

[Munkul]

the lift-tig setting will both drop the start amps, and also change the volt-amp curve - neither thing you want when stick-welding.

Try it next time you're welding - we've done it accidentally - in lift-tig mode, you'll be lucky to strike an arc at all, and it will run poorly

 

[E T]

With MMA/TIG inverters the arc voltage in TIG mode is usually 10V lower then in MMA mode and the volt/amp curve is different as Munkul states.
I too have done it accidentaly and knew immediately what the problem was. The difference is very noticeable and you won't like it.

 

[AndVal]

So all these cheap welders have the lift-TIG switch only if you use a TIG torch... is that even popular?
A gimmick to try to sell them as dual-purpose welders?

the lift-tig setting will both drop the start amps, and also change the volt-amp curve

Yea to increase the volts and drop the amps so that the electricity can jump a longer distance and start the arc.
Too bad it does not work with the stick rods.

With MMA/TIG inverters the arc voltage in TIG mode is usually 10V lower then in MMA mode and the volt/amp curve is different as Munkul states.
I too have done it accidentaly and knew immediately what the problem was. The difference is very noticeable and you won't like it.

A stick welder with a tig-torch can start scratch start an arc without the lower volts of lift-TIG
but the same welder cannot use lift-TIG for the stick rod ..... too bad.

If the welder is that modern it will probably have hot start for the MMA function.

I can scratch start the arc no problem without hot-start but cannot do the tap start as perfectly as those guys on Youtube.

 

[Munkul]

What machine are you using? A good quality inverter and 6013s can tap start really easily, it's trickier with cheaper machines or with other types of rod.

 

[AndVal]

I got a cheap DC inverter.
My welder has a 65V OCV so that must be it.
I see YouTubers tap start 7018 rods like it's a piece of cake.

I intent to buy a DC TIG welder before summer.
I'm curious how it will handle stick rods.

 

[Munkul]

Some rods start easier than others, but some do like a good high OCV...
There's nothing wrong with striking an arc, though...

Some inverter tig welders aren't great on stick mode... they can all do it, but some are better than others.

 

[AndVal]

I suspect it's not only the high OCV but the components of a heavier and more expensive machine too.

I want to use basic rods more and I must research for a better welder that can cover them.