Yes of course AC/DC where appropriate otherwise you wont get anywhere, i already learnt that
Yeah thats the thing, its second nature for experienced welders, but if youre self taught and dont have anybody letting you know these little bits n pieces it gets really frustrating sometimes.
I solved my contamination problems yesterday by trying a new belt...cleaning the tungstens and even the ceramic. I also wore so rubber gloves (dont have any other leather ones atm) to stop anything else getting on the ally. I also cleaned the filler rods for the first time (never thought of doing this before) and alot of metal dust n crap came off them!
I didnt know about the grinding wheel thing, thats good, not that theyre very useful for ally anyway.
Another thing is tip profile, some use it sharp and others blunt? My problems have been relating to the arc wondering around everywhere and struggling to keep a pool. Havent tried blunt yet.