If I weld platinum or palladium the electrode will go rounded on the end quite soon. With other metals it lasts a lot longer . After sharpening, I put a very slight flat on the end which helps a bit. Lampert recommends doing that.

Yes the argon is still needed just the same, maybe the flow rate of it is less than on your machine ,so is quieter. The reason the electrode was sticking to the work is that you need to hold the work really solidly. This allows the electrode to withdraw from the work instead of sticking to it and pulling it back with it. Holding both hands steadily on the base keeps things firmly held. These welders do take patience and dedication to learn. I persisted with it for a few months but found my confidence in using it eventually. I had a Puk 3 for 7 years and now have a Puk 5 which is more controllable and has more welding modes which makes life a bit easier.

many thanks for the info. your a gent. my dad, who has many many years of cutting and mounting opals, was blown away with your tipping / claw work on the vid you posted. rightly so ! awesome work mukka !