[pcm81]

Interesting, I just looked again and the manual doesn't mention hot start OR arc force, but when I look at the pictures of the control panel I clearly see knobs for both settings. Don't go crazy on the arc force. That makes the arc much more digging and of course you will blow through thinner material. Hot start on the other hand is exactly what you need for rods that stick when striking an arc. I personally would set the arc force low (or on the lower side), set the amps for 80 on the 3/32 5P rods, and turn the hot start dial up to 1/3rd. Gradually increase the hot start until you get the results you like. Once you regularly get the rod lit the way you like, you may need to go down on the amps.

Arc force is really useful when you need a digging arc, like when you are trying to key hole an open gap weld. But for general welding stuff, you may not need it.

Does hot start basically have the same effect at the start as going to higher amps? I was sticking at 80A and at 120A with 0% hot start. So, would 50% hot start on 80A be essentially the same start characteristics as being on 120A to start with? Naturally different after the start.

 

[Louie1961]

yeah hot start boosts the initial amps for a short period of time then it falls back to the amp settings on your main dial

 

[Brand X]

Some machines has adjustable hot start times also.Nice feature too..The little Primeweld 145 has a real nice working 120 volt stick mode.. High OCV help start 6010 rods.. At least machines with it does well for the most part..70 + OCV

 

[pcm81]

Some machines has adjustable hot start times also.Nice feature too..The little Primeweld 145 has a real nice working 120 volt stick mode.. High OCV help start 6010 rods.. At least machines with it does well for the most part..70 + OCV

I was looking at the Primeweld 145 or Esab Rogue 180 as a mobile 120V stick welder. My Amazon $70 welder works with 6013, does not work with 6010, TBD 6011, but not having high hopes.

 

[Brand X]

I was looking at the Primeweld 145 or Esab Rogue 180 as a mobile 120V stick welder. My Amazon $70 welder works with 6013, does not work with 6010, TBD 6011, but not having high hopes.

The Primeweld will not match the Esab 180 with 6010. The 145 does nice with 3/32 7018/etc...I think the little Weldcote 140 is a much better then the 145 if using 6010..Depending on the generator, it is a key for most of these smaller machines.. Takes a decent size 120 volt genny to start 7018 3/32 rod.. 240 volts helps make
that a non-issue..

 

[pcm81]

The Primeweld will not match the Esab 180 with 6010. The 145 does nice with 3/32 7018/etc...I think the little Weldcote 140 is a much better then the 145 if using 6010..Depending on the generator, it is a key for most of these smaller machines.. Takes a decent size 120 volt genny to start 7018 3/32 rod.. 240 volts helps make
that a non-issue..

Well, the good news is that i think a 1/8" 60111 has just killed my Amazon shoe box (hone welder 120A variety). So that means i have a reason to buy esab 180. Will probably burn through couple dozen pounds of 6010 and 6011 sing primeweld 325 first though.