" i dont think i do, electricity is electricity ..."

Well, it USED to be true that electricity was just electricity... But today, with all the lawsuits and regulations and low-cost technology available, you never know how many interlocks and safety features have been added to a machine without (1) a manual, (2) opening it up and looking inside, or (3) asking someone who knows to show you how to set it up.

I don't know anything specific about the Maxstar, but getting a manual and studying it is always the best first step with new (to you) equipment. Miller is very good about providing manuals on just about anything they make or made at:

http://www.millerwelds.com/service/ownersmanuals.php

Have your exact model designation and serial number at hand when you log in.

Another option is to ask your local Miller dealer. He will be annoyed that you went elsewhere for your welder, but he will also want to gain a new customer for consumables and parts. Give it a try.

Have fun with your new toy.

awright

 

Tough to diagnose without handling the machine, but you do need gas hooked up for proper operation. I don't think the maxstar has a sensor to prevent operation without gas, and the torch may be damaged without argon or helium to help cool it and prevent the tungsten from burning.

As to why you can't get a start, be sure the proper start mode is selected (lift arc, no remote control), be sure the work lead is properly connected to the workpiece, the workpiece is clean, and the leads are in the proper terminals (work lead in the positive, torch lead in the negative.) The lift arc start may not work if the leads are swapped, and you will certainly not like the result at the torch. The lack of gas flow is bad enough, but positive torch puts a lot more heat into the torch than straight polarity.

 

thats right "Lift Start", ie, the tungsten is placed on the material to be welded for a second, then you lift off the material. otherwise there is what 5 amps available. And this is why it's a good idea to read the operators manual....

 

i just had the leads reversed. i know not to weld without gas, i was just making sure that there was life in it. thanx for all the help, and i'll definitely get the manual.

 

Glad it's ok. My machine gets loaned out periodically (I have several friends that do site work with engine drives, and when a job comes up where the can't use it (30th floor of an office complex, for example,) I sometimes get a call at 2AM "I'm around the corner. Can borrow your machine? I need to be in the city by 6". First time it came back, I marked one terminal in red paint pen with the word "TORCH". Funny, there are few people I have no problem loaning gear to. Never the planishing hammers. Or the good woodworking tools. But the welding machine? No prob, since I know it will come back working (and it paid for itself in two jobs after I got it, about 4 years ago)