[Tech] TIG welder problem: lost high-frequency suddenly

[.]

The high-frequency start is not working all of a sudden.
It was working fine then it stopped working.

I can touch-start the arc and proceed normally, but I am wondering what happened to the hi-freq.
That I recall, I did not ground the tungsten to the work piece(roll cage).

It's a Lincoln squarewave 175 PRO.
Using DCEN @ 110 amps.

Wondering if anyone here might have any suggestions.
Thanx

 

[Draw 3D]

You welding aluminum or steel?

On steel, you use DC, no frequency.

 

[Buzzz Miller]

I have heard an almost identical problem with some of the offshore tungstens. Try an old piece laying around that has been tried and true. Or go out and grab a stick that you know will be good. (Sylvania or WeldCraft.) I know it sounds wild, but heard that some of the stuff coming in in the last six months will weld onc run and then never strike a bead again. Especially with the newer high tech machines. (Also heard that a test of one batch was off 6% of the stated percentages advertised on the box)
I know this is a long shot, but I was speaking with a welder repair guru just yesterday. It is worth a quick try.

 

[.]

Paul, it is the hi-freq start only.

Buzzz:
Winner winner, I owe you chicken dinner!
I switched the tungsten and hi-freq is back!

It's "Prostar by praxair" 2% thoriated......from China.
7" long tungstens, I was down to about half length.

Wow. They have a lot of room for improvement
in their quality control. So keep an eye out for that brand.

Thanx man!!!!!!

 

["Dr. Dirt"]

See Paul,
All Millers aren't valueless!