Bead evaluation

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New here trying to learn tig. Just running beads across 1/8" mild steel. Please evaluate and comment on these welds made after some practice. Second picture is the back of the plate. Criticize all you want I am thick skinned any help would be appreciated.SteveP.S I'm not a welder. Just learning for my hobby's. Attached Images
Reply:Some idea on what your settings are will help so we are not guessing.All in all not too bad as a starting point. Looks like you could use a bit more heat from the back.Did you grind the surface clean of mill scale? Grind not wire brush, that just polishes the surface and doesn't remove the scale. You should also clean the back on thin metal. You can pull crap thru the material and spend alot of time scratching your head trying to figure out why you are getting contamination if not.Last edited by DSW; 07-06-2009 at 09:03 PM.
Reply:Have the welder set for Straight DC max amp set to 100. Using the foot pedal past 1/2 pedal.The metal is rusty and I ground the rust off. If you look close at the metal you can see some small pin head rust spots I guess this may be contaminating the weld. Thanks for the help.Steve1/16" Tungsten gas flow about 12-15 CFH #4 cupLast edited by steveg; 07-06-2009 at 09:18 PM.
Reply:Not bad for starters, work on getting the beads straighter and little more consistant in size.  That may mean paying closer attention to how much filler you add, torch angle as you move along and making sure to back off your heat as you move down the plate.Try some joints out if you get the chance, thats where you will really see what needs working on.Where in SE PA are you if you dont mind?  Im near lansdale.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:good practice is to run a bead without filler.get the puddle going and to the width you want, then move it along.once u r comfortable with that "then" add filleri think your welds would hold up, but  they need tided up....straight also looks goodG
Reply:Okay I'll try to implement the suggestions and will post more photos.SnOborder88- South of Lancaster
Reply:I'd shoot those birds.  Where's the pics of the welds?Seriously, not bad for a start.Some mistakes that may be common to beginning TIG welders and  some things to think about.Excess arc length.  A short arc length keeps the arc small and concentrated, and helps create a smaller and more controllable puddle, and helps increase penetration.Blobbing the filler metal.  The filler wire should be melted as it is feed (or dipped) into the leading edge of the puddle, you should not try to melt the filler with arc and drip it onto the base metal.Excess torch angle.  A slight torch angle can be is used to push the puddle and give access to see the puddle better and access to feed the wire in the front of the puddle.Excess gas flow.  More flow is not always better, it can cause turbulence and porosity, and costs you more.Thanks for sharing, looking forward to the next pics.
Reply:Another bead with a question,  This is a butt weld with all the same settings. I think the weld is to hot, is there anyway I can tell the weld has enough heat for proper penetration by watching the weld puddle. I'm also having a problem feeding the rod as I'm welding any words of wisdom to help this skill along. Any help is appreciated. The first picture is the top the second is the bottom .Steve Attached Images
Reply:Originally Posted by stevegAnother bead with a question,  This is a butt weld with all the same settings. I think the weld is to hot, is there anyway I can tell the weld has enough heat for proper penetration by watching the weld puddle. I'm also having a problem feeding the rod as I'm welding any words of wisdom to help this skill along. Any help is appreciated. The first picture is the top the second is the bottom .Steve
Reply:The two 1/8" plates were butted tight.Steve
Reply:thats a lot of penetration..might be a tad heavy on the pedal.
Reply:Originally Posted by stevegAnother bead with a question,  This is a butt weld with all the same settings. I think the weld is to hot, is there anyway I can tell the weld has enough heat for proper penetration by watching the weld puddle. I'm also having a problem feeding the rod as I'm welding any words of wisdom to help this skill along. Any help is appreciated. The first picture is the top the second is the bottom .Steve
Reply:Thanks to everyone who replied I will try all the suggestions. I sharpen the tungsten to a point and it stays clean until I dip it in the weld. I'm getting a little better and can now weld for a while without dipping the electrode. The rod feeding is starting to come along. When I get smoother I will concentrate on better looking welds. I will post pictures so you that know can comment. ThanksSteve
Reply:Here's a tip on feeding filler wire into your puddle that I was taught.Try to feed the wide by sliding the wire between your fingers instead of dabbing the wire with side to side hand movement.JasonLincoln Idealarc 250 stick/tigThermal Dynamics Cutmaster 52Miller Bobcat 250Torchmate CNC tableThermal Arc Hefty 2Ironworkers Local 720