Tigging pipe on flat

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Hey guys, I'm having some problems Tig welding pipe on flat. What am I doing that is causing my bead not to fuse to the pipe, and why would I be getting undercut on the base? (flat piece) Mild steel, The base metal is about a quarter inch thick, and the pipe is a little thicker, about 3/8ths. 3/32, 2% thoriated tungsten, did grind the metal good, and since im using an old generated welder im not sure on the precise amperage, but the dial is set between 9-10. Ten is the highest setting on the welder. I go pedal all the way down, and it works just fine for my other welds on stuff this thick. Sorry I can't be more specific, and thanks ahead.
Reply:Pics would help
Reply:Originally Posted by mitch93Hey guys, I'm having some problems Tig welding pipe on flat. What am I doing that is causing my bead not to fuse to the pipe, and why would I be getting undercut on the base? (flat piece) Mild steel, The base metal is about a quarter inch thick, and the pipe is a little thicker, about 3/8ths. 3/32, 2% thoriated tungsten, did grind the metal good, and since im using an old generated welder im not sure on the precise amperage, but the dial is set between 9-10. Ten is the highest setting on the welder. I go pedal all the way down, and it works just fine for my other welds on stuff this thick. Sorry I can't be more specific, and thanks ahead.
Reply:sounds like you have a pipe /plate fillet weld? are you getting short enough arc length  that you get a single puddle or are you getting  no puddle on the pipe wall.?. weldrwomn is right pics wood help//
Reply:sorry guys ill try to get some pics up, but ya its just mild steel, and fillet weld, and NO puddle on the wall. I get the bead on the base plate but no fusion to the pipe. what's more is that i get undercut on the plate. To clarify its a pipe vertical to a plate, in the flat position, like a round tee fillet.
Reply:Sounds to me like the plate is grounded and the pipe is not.
Reply:if the pipe is not getting grounded the fitup must completely suck..are your pointing tung at the plate or  the joint? point at the joint,  minimize arc length to get  a single puddle in the corner..
Reply:Originally Posted by mitch93sorry guys ill try to get some pics up, but ya its just mild steel, and fillet weld, and NO puddle on the wall. I get the bead on the base plate but no fusion to the pipe. what's more is that i get undercut on the plate. To clarify its a pipe vertical to a plate, in the flat position, like a round tee fillet.
Reply:thanks guys. I do not think the pipe is not grounded, I lay it right on the plate, and I do put the puddle in the joint, i walk the cup, weaving the puddle to both pieces of metal. Im thinking perhaps i just don't pause long enough on the pipe. Id ask my instructor but hes been gone for two weeks due to a car accident. And if that were the case, it still doesnt solve my undercut problem. Thanks for all the imput guys I greatly appreciate it.-Mitch