Hello cmays, when you say touch start I think of that description in terms of scratch start, different name, same thing most likely. Some of the new power sources that are out there and have multi-process capability have a provision for something that is referred to as "lift arc". The reason that I am discussing this in this way has to do with the latest ways in which you can GTAW or TIG weld. Scratch start or touch start as I believe you are calling it, is done with a DC power source capable of putting out constant current power. To start the arc with this set-up requires the tungsten to come into contact with the work piece and then be lifted, or scratched and lifted in order to start the arc, if the tungsten is left in contact with the work piece for long it will burn the end of it off and leave impurities in the weld. Another manor for GTAW or TIG welding is to use a high frequency generator to allow the arc to jump the gap and start the weld without having the tungsten come into contact with the workpiece. The high frequency component of this process is only necessary to start the arc. The third method that is currently available, is referred to as: lift arc,this method utilizes special internal machine circuitry in the machine which allows the operator to touch the tungsten to the work and as soon as it is lifted from the work the arc will be initiated, unlike the scratch start method the tungsten will not be burned off if it is left in contact with the workpiece. I am going to make the assumption that you are trying to set-up for the scratch start method, so that is what I'm going to describe. First you will need to come up with a tig torch designed for this purpose, in most cases this will be an aircooled torch with a manual gas control valve. You will need to hook this torch up to the negative output of the machine, the work lead will need to be hooked up to the positive output of the machine. Unless the machine has remote amperage adjustment available you will need to set the amperage of the machine to a given setting and try welding with it to see if it is too hot, too cold, or just right. Obviously you will need to turn the gas on manually before beginning the weld and then you will need to turn it off when the welding is complete. The only thing about stopping the weld that should also be done is you should break the arc and then return the torch to the crater to protect it while it is cooling for a brief period of time. There are many different ways and varying types of equipment that you can use to accomplish a basic TIG set-up, I have described a method that is probably the simplest in the last part of this post. Hope this helps some. aevald

If you can get them to get you a high-frequency start, Get it!. But scratch start or touch start is the way it is in construction most of the time. You can also get your tig torch in place with the cup resting on the work and use your filler rod to initiate the arc by touchin the rod to the tungsten and the work at the same time. With a bit of practice.....it becomes second nature and the wanting of high freq extra's will deminish.