First Time Tig Questions

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Hi folks,Just got an Alpha 200 tig welder at work and its my first time using tig. I'm having a lot of fun with it so far and really enjoy the level of control you have. Got a few questions that i think should be easy for you guys to answer.1. When you finish using the machine, do you detach the tig torch/hose and store it somewhere safe? or do you just drape it over the cart hooks like a mig gun?2. how do you clean any build up on the ceramic cups? i tried it lightly sanding one but it cracked the ceramic on the end. Can they be used when slightly chipped?       2a. Are the cups universal or do i order them from my manufacturer?3. How should the tungsten be stored? is it susceptible to contamination by rolling around in a drawer? 4. When starting the arc, i always hear, "slowly increase the amps." how slow are we talking from 0 to desired amps? i think i'm taking about 3 seconds.5. After welding i notice the tungsten appears dull and a bit rounded despite having never dipped it. is this normal? it still arcs fine6. Yes i know the welds are ugly, i was playing with the settings. what im curious about is what caused the orange contamination? 7. Why is my HAZ so big??? for the below welds I used the settings in the pic below this one with the foot pedal pressed about 75%. so figure <60 amps for HR mild 16GA Sq Tube. i feel like my travel speed is pretty slow but i struggle getting the filler to melt quick enough to travel faster. Any tips?Thanks a lot for the help guys and sorry to dump so many questions out at once like this!-Justin
Reply:You could have to much arc length and moving to slow. You will wanna use about 50-60 amps on that. Set the machine to about 75 amps or so maybe more. 1/16 filler. I made a thread on HAZ area called sorry Jodie. I think that's what I titled it as.  And did you wipe the steel down with acetone? That helps
Reply:Turn the friggin pulse off. 5pps is useless on this machine. Set your machine to kill and THEN roll on your pedal. I can tell you are taking too long and having to play catch up later.Weld like a "WELDOR", not a wel-"DERR" MillerDynasty700DX,Dynasty350DX4ea,Dynasty200DX,Li  ncolnSW200-2ea.,MillerMatic350P,MillerMatic200w/spoolgun,MKCobraMig260,Lincoln SP-170T,PlasmaCam/Hypertherm1250,HFProTig2ea,MigMax1ea.
Reply:Every time I turn on my pulse it goes right back off. I like straight current
Reply:All that discoloration(Orange)is caused by one thing and one thing ONLY.You touched the filler OR the piece and just continued.That's where it comes from and that's exactly what happened.Stainless wire brush the area and regrind your tungsten than start over..You can NOT fool us....zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by Wandering Welder1. When you finish using the machine, do you detach the tig torch/hose and store it somewhere safe? or do you just drape it over the cart hooks like a mig gun?
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313You could have to much arc length and moving to slow. You will wanna use about 50-60 amps on that. Set the machine to about 75 amps or so maybe more. 1/16 filler. I made a thread on HAZ area called sorry Jodie. I think that's what I titled it as.  And did you wipe the steel down with acetone? That helps
Reply:Originally Posted by Wandering Welderhaha i think i was fooling myself more than anyone else! nice to know the orange is a tell tale sign..
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterWhen that happens it also makes a "Snap" type noise that is unmistakable...Just ask anyone that ever came to my tig clinic if they know what "I heard that" means......zap!
Reply:You are probably too far away..I am in Mass.The place with all the snow........zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:thats about as far away as it gets, yikesMultimatic 215 w/ aluminum spool gunHypertherm 45 xpLincoln 140 MigMillermatic 200Alpha 200dxO/A RigEverett 22" abrasive saw
Reply:Originally Posted by Wandering Welderthats about as far away as it gets, yikes
Reply:How many welding machines do you have in your clinic or do people bring there little inverters?
Reply:We just use the 330A/BP but inverters have been brought in and used...I even supply the argon and EVERY clinic I have put on is FREE of charge......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Originally Posted by Wandering Welderthats about as far away as it gets, yikes
Reply:When that happens it also makes a "Snap" type noise that is unmistakable...Just ask anyone that ever came to my tig clinic if they know what "I heard that" means...
Reply:Originally Posted by zapsterWe just use the 330A/BP but inverters have been brought in and used...I even supply the argon and EVERY clinic I have put on is FREE of charge......zap!
Reply:Originally Posted by motolife313That's really cool you put it on for free!!i bet I'd leave a better weldor
Reply:Iv'e heard that noise quite a few times over the years too, LOL Unfortunately I had to have brain surgery last Sept. and hadn't done much welding but have since gotten the bug again, been hearing that sound more now days but continue practicing. I'm bound and determined  to get my mojo back.  Keep practicing you'll get it. Pete     Originally Posted by zapsterWhen that happens it also makes a "Snap" type noise that is unmistakable...Just ask anyone that ever came to my tig clinic if they know what "I heard that" means......zap!
Reply:ZapsterI am in MA as well.  Whereabouts?DaveSent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Reply:Originally Posted by soutthpawIf you want some help,   I can try and meet with you sometime, or of you want help from the expert, ask Terry (shovelon) I'd he would be willing to show tig a few things.   If he is, it will be the most worthwhile few hrs or day you can spend to visit him.   Not to mention he has an AHP @ his shop ATM.  Don't forget the MGD......  and Donuts.  Heh.
Reply:Originally Posted by SmartdaveZapsterI am in MA as well.  Whereabouts?DaveSent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Reply:I am right in Bellingham. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by SmartdaveI am right in Bellingham. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:I never heard of Bellingham until now. I have heard of Athol. They make some really good tools there.Starrett is in Athol.......zap!I am not completely insane..Some parts are missing Professional Driver on a closed course....Do not attempt.Just because I'm a  dumbass don't mean that you can be too.So DON'T try any of this **** l do at home.
Reply:Zap you live in bellingham?I bet you drive by my house all the timeSent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Reply:I want to know what it was about this beginner caused Zap to crawl out of his hole. You won't find a better teacher, but he's probably 3000 miles too far away to learn in person. I attended Zap's clinic. My only complaint is the day ended about six hours too early for me. Or I'd camp there for a month if allowed. Shovelon is on your end of the country. Just sayin'.Fact is you learn more in a day of close scrutiny from an expert, than a month of on your own. I haven't had much opportunity for direct instruction, I do recognize its value.An optimist is usually wrong, and when the unexpected happens is unprepared. A pessimist is usually right, when wrong, is delighted, and well prepared.
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BI want to know what it was about this beginner caused Zap to crawl out of his hole. You won't find a better teacher, but he's probably 3000 miles too far away to learn in person. I attended Zap's clinic. My only complaint is the day ended about six hours too early for me. Or I'd camp there for a month if allowed. Shovelon is on your end of the country. Just sayin'.Fact is you learn more in a day of close scrutiny from an expert, than a month of on your own. I haven't had much opportunity for direct instruction, I do recognize its value.
Reply:Originally Posted by SmartdaveZap you live in bellingham?I bet you drive by my house all the timeSent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
Reply:Originally Posted by Willie BI want to know what it was about this beginner caused Zap to crawl out of his hole. You won't find a better teacher, but he's probably 3000 miles too far away to learn in person. I attended Zap's clinic. My only complaint is the day ended about six hours too early for me. Or I'd camp there for a month if allowed. Shovelon is on your end of the country. Just sayin'.Fact is you learn more in a day of close scrutiny from an expert, than a month of on your own. I haven't had much opportunity for direct instruction, I do recognize its value.
Reply:Yep I can see hd from my houseSent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply:Originally Posted by Wandering WelderGetting hands on training like that would be absolutely invaluable!! I would take advantage of anyone looking to pass on some tips, techniques, and wisdom. My company has me moving to Nashville in a couple weeks otherwise I'd definitely take the offer! I should be back in so-cal before the end of the year though. I am bringing the TIG with me and will hopefully have time to practice