[Phil Waterman]

Hi Bob

Was able to down load the current version of the manual and read through it. Couple of points:

1. I wouldn't run out and buy the timer unit. Think the problem is not lack of auto timer. Half the time I do the welds almost by ear and eye. Sound of welder changes as metal heats.
2. Try some sample welds after cleaning all four sides of the metal and post some pictures (or e-mail them to me)
3. Do you have a AC volt meter that one of the guys could read the voltage of the 220 voltage going to the welder. I had problems with mine when I built the barn as it was fed from the house to garage to barn to much line drop. While your at it check both legs of the power panel. I have to turn off the halogen shop lights when I'm weld sheet metal to angle iron with the spot welder.
4. Can not over empathizes need to clean/polish the steel.
5. I've made up some sample combination sheet metal thicknesses to put between the tips when setting the tip pressure. On them I've written the weld time and heat setting.
6. Just as with any other type of welding when you have not done it for awhile you have to practice, I have to force myself to practice until I get good again time.
7. The manual is correct about shape and size of tip contact area being important.
8. Holding the pinch pressure until the metal is no longer red hot is also important and a problem that I had trouble with until I remembered that you have to hold the pressure after releasing the trigger. Some thing like a three count should do it.


Await the results of further test.

Cheers Phil