tungsten problem

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new to tig welding ,so i no ,it is not my tungstens ,but can someone please tell me whether im using 1/16 or 3/32 tungstens,  welding alum.1/16 or 3/32 plate. when i go to sharpen my tungsten ,taking it out of my 17 torch ,1/2 inch up  from point of tungsten it has  1/4 inch of black(i guess running hot?)then normal color of tungstenrest of way up ,what am i doing wrong? thank u
Reply:If you don't know what size your tungsten is how would we knowif your doing aluminum AC you don't sharpen the tungsten that is for dc tigif your weld and your tungsten is black you contaminated it with your filler rod most likely or your not getting the correct amount of argon shielding gasAre you using a gas cool torch or liquid cooledBacked my CATMA over your CARMA oops clusmy me  What would SATAN do ?? Miller Trailblazer 302 AirPakMiller Digital Elite  Optrel Welding HatArcair K4000Suitcase 12RC / 12 VSHypertherm PM-45Rage 3 sawRusty old Truck
Reply:The 17 torch is air cooled.I never use 1/16 tungsten on aluminum, but then again, I haven't tried the pop can weld yet. . .You say about the black, but not what's happened to the tip, or what happened to the texture.If the tungsten is still the same shape, but just a different color, then you're having a shielding gas issue Not using argon, not enough gas, a leak letting in air?  Could be a lot of things.If the tungsten is rough, or more likely "blobby" where it's black, then you've got contamination.You will feel a change in the arc when the tungsten is contaminated.  For me, I can hear the difference, see the arc shape and color change, and even sometimes smell when it's happened.  That's when it's time to stop, and regrind.What model or type TIG welder do you have?  That will determine how you sharpen your tungstens.  Inverters like a tungsten sharpened to a cone, with the very tip ground off (more pointy for DC, less for AC, but still the general idea).  On a transformer machine, on AC, you want a rather dull tip, because it will melt into a balled shape (which is actually what you want).
Reply:all i run is 3/32 tungsten, i own an inverter tig machine so i sharpen tungsten like a pencil and flatten the tip to like a .030/.040 flat..  you should be able to tell what size tungsten your running by looking at it.  1/16 = .062 3/32 =.0931/8 is .125.. ckworldwide, miller, lincoln, and thermal arc have some very good information on tig welding, you might dig around their websites and see what you can find...tackleexperts.comwww.necessityjigs.comhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/mach...dingequipment/
Reply:thank you guys but u miss understood what i typed.i no what size tungsten im using ,when i am using1 /16 or when using 3/32 with my thermal arc 185 inverter ,pure argon.my tip of my tungsten is ok,but 1/2inch up from tip inside the number 5 or 6 cup i am getting a black area about 1/2 inch then tungsten normal color again maybe a shielding gas issue?new to this game so i do hit my tungsten with filler rod ,everyonce in a while but that i dont think is the problem ,a get this problem with out hitting tungsten thank u guys.great site here, thanks for the help.
Reply:Originally Posted by broadhead0706thank you guys but u miss understood what i typed.i no what size tungsten im using ,when i am using1 /16 or when using 3/32 with my thermal arc 185 inverter ,pure argon.my tip of my tungsten is ok,but 1/2inch up from tip inside the number 5 or 6 cup i am getting a black area about 1/2 inch then tungsten normal color again maybe a shielding gas issue?new to this game so i do hit my tungsten with filler rod ,everyonce in a while but that i dont think is the problem ,a get this problem with out hitting tungsten thank u guys.great site here, thanks for the help.
Reply:Sometimes it is helpful here to post your location on your profile.  Then we might understand that english isn't your first language?  and KNOW, it doesn't sound like you NO what you are writing, when the grammer is really bad.Old iron.. nice tip on technique for checking the torch for gas leaks. thanks...   --zip
Reply:Does your tungsten dia and collett size match each other?JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720
Reply:Does a DC arc on your machine start smoothly, and silently/quietly, and form initially from the very tip of the your tungsten (and the workpiece of course), or is it starting more rough like (maybe sounding like hissing or a noise like paper being torn) and also maybe you notice initially the arc is coming out of the torch from somewhere further up inside the cup, (before probably moving down and "stabilizing" at the tip of the tungsten?)If it's starting roughly, (and/or up too high in the cup), it may be because your inert gas pre-flow time setting isn't long enough.  Try turning up your pre-flow time, (or if it's not adjustable, click briefly the pedal/torch switch, wait a sec with it off, and while the gas is still flowing, hit it on again to actually start the arc.)If your arc starts before the inert gas has had a chance to travel down and purge the atmospheric air out of the cup, the arc combined with reactive gasses inside the cup can "burn things" and leave behind some residue on your tungsten, collet body, inside of your cup, etc.
Reply:Originally Posted by snoeproeDoes your tungsten dia and collett size match each other?
Reply:OK  being a new tig guy you need to pick up a tig manual and read a bit before you start asking a bunch of questions........You will be light years ahead and NOT learn bad habits.....Typically the larger tungsten's ( 3/32-1/8-5/32)  are used for AC aluminum work......As mentioned pop can welding will incorporate smaller  but that'sway down the road from where your at right now.......Last edited by B_C; 07-28-2011 at 08:54 PM.  Miller Dynasty 350Twenty Six HammersThree Crow BarsBig Rock
Reply:Ditto to what B_C said.While your at it, grab the manual from Thermo dyne.  Oh, and read it.  It will tell you basic parameters for setting up that machine (including a chart for aluminum thickness).I would highly recomend learning to run steel first.  Its not that its easier or harder, its just aluminum is different.  It doesn't flow as well and its a different technique.If memory serves the 185 is locked in 50% cleaning (no balance setting).  For that reason you might have to go slightly larger on your tungsten than what some recommend.You will need a foot control.  You will want to watch some of the videos at Weldingtipsandtricks.com.1) Clean the base metal - I use a dedicated stainless wire brush.  Don't forget the edges and normally I try to do the backsides as well.2) Try setting the machine for 1 seconds pre-flow.  Make sure you purge the gas lines first (dial in something like 25 seconds post flow and hit the pedal and release - that usually does it).#7 cup, 20 cfh - pure argon.3) 3/32 Tungsten -  Zirconiated probably best bet, pure tungsten 2nd.  Sharpened to a dull point. 4) Probably 125 Amps AC.  Since you are just learning, You should be running beads first - in the flat.  Butt welds next.  You will find inside corner joints a challenge.  (Actually, you may find pointing the arc exactly where you want a challenge.Aluminum is all about a rhythm.  If that machine has a pulser, Try setting up for a .7Hz pulse.  That is "point seven".  That means you will dip the move, hold, dip in, dip out, move every 1.5 seconds.  You will be able to hear and see when the power is on.  Once you get your rythm, you an work on starts and stops.  Start hot, floor the pedal and taper off as needed.  Learn to stop by stacking the last bead, about 1/2 the size on top.If you don't understand any of the terms I just mentioned, you need to get a book on it.  Suggest you head over to Miller's site and buy the student package.  I think most of the stuff you can get online for free, but having a book near the welder can help.Miller also has some good videos particular some on getting into a good position for TIG welding in general, and aluminum TIG specifically.Con Fuse!Miller Dynasty 350Millermatic 350P-Spoolmatic 30AMiller Multimatic 200Hypertherm PowerMax 1000G3Miller Maxstar 200DX