Hot start is a biggie with the 120 volt machines.. High OCV is not enough most times to help with that.. The little Ironton has a real nice arc start with 7018 rods and enough arc force to do the job.. I think a lot of the cheapr machines miss those marks..

I believe your machine is really the very bottom on working at all. Good job, you found it.. I am on a new path with 120 volt stick welding machines.. Just depends if somebody swipes the deal from me?