HTP Revolution 2500 Manual page 15

Lift start, not to be mistaken for scratch-start, can be used to ignite a DC or an AC welding arc with
the Revolution 2500. If you use a foot pedal, turn HF off in the menu, and then touch the clean and
cold tungsten electrode to the clean material you plan to weld on. Depress the foot pedal a little bit,
at minimum, which activates the contact switch (the more you depress the foot pedal, the easier the
arc will ignite). At this point, NO welding current flows through the tungsten, you are not
shortening anything out, and only a very small control current flows through the torch, just sensing
the short circuit. The moment you lift the torch and break the short circuit, the machine applies the
welding current and ignites the arc. Typically, the tungsten electrode does not get contaminated this
way, the arc starts smooth (not violent), and everything is very controllable using the foot pedal. To
choose between HF start and Lift start is more a matter of personal preference and what a person is
used to. When welding longer beads, the difference might appear negligible to some people, but
when making a bunch of spot or tack welds, HF is definitely more comfortable.