a few pics of my first tig welds

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hey guys, got my tig machine in a few weeks ago, and have gotten ~ 2.5 or so hrs of practice in with it.took me a bit to get the feel for adding filler rod without dipping it into the tungsten, but once i started to get it, things started to smooth out and get easier.hoping to get some more practice today, got a new welding helmet last week thru the snap on guy at work so i am excited to be able to see better.i had been using a cheapo harbor frieght helmet that i've had for years with my small mig setup, it did the job good enough for a beginner, but i felt like it was time to step up to the real deal. loli know i overpaid thru the snap on guy, but this way i can give him 20$ a week, and never feel it in the pocketbook.http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=cataloghi-def, super adjustable, the whole 9 yards.super high quality compared to the HF one.anyway, here are a couple pics of my first couple hrs of practice, comments, tips ect are welcome!3/16" crappy alu dimondplate, welding on the backside3/32 thoriated tungsten3/32 4043 filler~ 120-130 amps, footpedal controlledfirst pic is overall, the 2nd is a closer pic of my "best" bead so far.  Attached Images
Reply:I don't know why everyone starts out with filler that is just too big..I think you will find 1/16" easier to get used too..You may want to get some stainless and practice running beads without filler also..That is the easy way to figure out heat and speed.....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 zapsterI don't know why everyone starts out with filler that is just too big..I think you will find 1/16" easier to get used too.....zap!
Reply:different sizes cause the puddle to react differently, this can be used to yer advantage...large filler will cool the puddle more thansmall filller.
Reply:I think larger filler is easier to work with aluminum, but for steel and ss smaller filler is better for just starting out
Reply:I agree with you larry.Filler is easier to work with aluminum.Birmingham Web Design
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Reply:I started my TIG education with out filler.. it's much easier to get used to the torch in my opinion.. then add filler when you're comfortable.  And practice T joints.. they are the biggest pain in the *** for me..www.thefusionsolution.com
Reply:Originally Posted by presure2anyway, here are a couple pics of my first couple hrs of practice, comments, tips ect are welcome!3/16" crappy alu dimondplate, welding on the backside3/32 thoriated tungsten3/32 4043 filler~ 120-130 amps, footpedal controlled
Reply:thanks for the helpful tips DSW, i appreciate it.
Reply:Originally Posted by speedfreak87I started my TIG education with out filler.. it's much easier to get used to the torch in my opinion.. then add filler when you're comfortable.  And practice T joints.. they are the biggest pain in the *** for me..