Buzzbox attachments

You can make a dropper resistor by using a 3/32" x 36" filler rod verticle clamped to the welding bench then clamping the ground clamp to the other end of the filler rod. CAREFUL here as that filler rod can become cherry red while welding depending on the amps your trying to drop.

Tig will not work well on your AC machine without a HF unit and using pure tungsten. Remember your alternating current thru the tungsten to the metal to the ground then reversing that current back thru the metal to the electrode.

With DCEN (straight polarity) your current flow is from the electrode tru the metal to the ground and stops there for a controlled arc.

Tell us more about what your welding, (gauge, metal type, joint type, etc) and then we can offer more suggestions.

T_Bone

You have an experienced instructor there as carbon arc is not used very much anymore and becoming a lost art. You might want to pay extra attention while in his class.

Here's a tip I used for making great looking welds. Clean the CU back about 3/4", sharpen the carbon to a fine point from the CU to the end, then snap off the point with your thumb, just the tit(y), then lay your filler rod where you want the weld then stick the carbon on top of the rod, then wait until the carbon turns red, then lift the carbon slightly until the filler rod starts to flow. Let the puddle flow to the width wanted, then move forward.

The key to a even puddle look is to keep the carbon the same distance above the filler rod. It won't make a perfect straight edge weld but close as the toe of the weld will be alittle wobbled.

Good luck in your schooling. I also posted my e-mail addy so if you have a problem drop me a line.

T_Bone