Problem starting weld

[Sneaky Pete]

Hi everyone just joined the forum. I am quite an old bullet as my son calls it and have been doing ordinary arc welding most of my life. Used a Matweld 160 belonging to a friend for some time and was impressed with the inverter technology. I recently got my own identical Matweld 160 on special from Midas but this one seems to have a problem getting the arc started. I am busy building a carport and standing on a ladder nearly took a bad fall while trying to get the thing to arc recently (luckily ended up breaking my auto helmet and not my neck).
Is there a problem with some of these units ? Should I take it back. My sons cheap air cooled unit works better. Having used the other Matweld one I was impressed but mine really has a problem getting started. My wife wants to burn it !

 

[knoba]

I can't advise you on your welder issue, but you say your son calls you "an old bullet" and your wife "wants to burn" your kit...

...and I thought it was just me that got that kind of abuse from home. I get "no respect", Pete....

You're amongst friends here.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[PTvor]

What sort of rods were you using? Some inverters struggle with cellulosics, 6010 and 6011.

Did you make sure you had a good contact for the earth clip?

Were you using it with a long extension lead? Some inverters don't like them.

How far away does your friend live? Is there any chance of comparing them side by side?

I suggest you grind a piece of scrap steel bright and try starting the arc and running stringers on that. It should be easy if you've got experience of using air-cooled welders. If it isn't I'd say you've got a fault with the hot start function and exchange it or get your money back.