Problem balling tungsten when welding

[Rhino]

I recently picked up a Diversion 180 and am practicing tig by building a new cart. Things are going ok so far considering I haven't picked up the torch in 15 years. One issue I'm having is I can't seem to keep my tungsten sharp. After a few minutes of welding I notice the tip balling, and it only gets worse over time. I can go about 10 minutes before having to resharpen.

Is this considered normal? Is there anything I can do to avoid the issue? I've previously only tig'd Aluminum and I was instructed to ball the tungsten on purpose.
I'm welding a combination of .120 wall 1" square and angle mild steel. The machine is set at a max of 80 amps to form a puddle quicker at the start, but I'm only using about 3/4 of that to keep the puddle moving. I'm using the ceriated tungsten (unsure of size) and #7 hood that came standard in the box in case that matters. After sharpening the tip length is between 2.5 to 3 times the material width. 2.5 is what was suggested in the video.
Any help the guru's could provide would be appreciated.