Day 2 - Tig

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Day 2 - TigThis is my second time tig welding aluminum, er learning to weld that is.AMPS set to 1503/32 redbalance @ 7.0This time I used gas set around 20 - last time I didn't have gas, bad mistakeThe last picture - middle bead on the last set of pictures - middle bead was my last ....... any advice would be appreciated  =) Attached ImagesAcademyKP03Miller Sychcrowave 200
Reply:Looks like you need to practice """""""""""""""" and more practice   JohnSMAW,GMAW,FCAW,GTAW,SAW,PAC/PAW/OFCand Shielding Gases.  There all here. :
Reply:Keep up the practice !  Do you have your body rested in a steady position ?...if your elbows are not planted on a firm surface, it can make tigging for some, much more challenging.Make sure you keep consistent time intervals when dipping your filler and then moving your torch forward.....it's like playing a musical instrument...keep a rhythm.-Graham-Mechanical EngineerAutosport Mechanic/Fabricator
Reply:Are you adding filler yet, or just getting an arc to run?? If you are not yet adding filler, you will see your weld quality go up, as the filler will add clean material in the middle of your welds, and will give you a cleaner puddle, and a cleaner finished weld. If you are adding filler already, tryo to add a bit more filler, so that it will help to push the bits of stuff that wind up floating on top of your puddle. Getting better, and I bet your tungsten is lasting a bit longer!! Keep at it, and keep posting pics. Paul.And then, after so much work...... you have it in your hand, and you look over to your side...... and the runner has run off. Leaving you holding the prize, wondering when the runner will return.
Reply:No haven't really been resting my elbows -- I'll make sure to do that.  I have been adding filler --- most of the time it clumps up .... but towards the end ... I was getting it to melt completely into the puddle and then I'd move over .... and repeat.  Slowly but surely.And YES, my electrode lasts A LOT longer now that I have GAS .... I was getting a little worried before ..... Have a question - should I be using Balance or Pulse? can I use both?Last edited by AcademyKP03; 11-30-2007 at 10:04 AM.AcademyKP03Miller Sychcrowave 200
Reply:I don't know if you have practiced on any steel yet, but it will help to learn on some steel first in my opinion because it is easier than aluminum.I found with aluminum, to take your time getting the puddle going, then once I have a puddle I back off the heat a little and then dip, push the puddle, dip etc.  Take your time and make sure your puddle is moving forward, do not be in a rush to dip because it won't work.  My best results were after I moved the puddle forward about an 1/8", I would then backup a little for the dip.  This way I do not hit the tungsten with the filler rod and the bead pattern seems to be nicer.I also use a gas lens on everything now, especially steel because the bead is a lot cleaner.Build a Barstool Racer at BarFlyRacers.com!
Reply:Originally Posted by AcademyKP03No haven't really been resting my elbows -- I'll make sure to do that.  I have been adding filler --- most of the time it clumps up .... but towards the end ... I was getting it to melt completely into the puddle and then I'd move over .... and repeat.  Slowly but surely.And YES, my electrode lasts A LOT longer now that I have GAS .... I was getting a little worried before ..... Have a question - should I be using Balance or Pulse? can I use both?
Reply:Originally Posted by AcademyKP03No haven't really been resting my elbows -- I'll make sure to do that.  I have been adding filler --- most of the time it clumps up .... but towards the end ... I was getting it to melt completely into the puddle and then I'd move over .... and repeat.  Slowly but surely.Have a question - should I be using Balance or Pulse? can I use both?
Reply:Originally Posted by AcademyKP03Day 2 - TigThis is my second time tig welding aluminum, er learning to weld that is.AMPS set to 1503/32 redbalance @ 7.0This time I used gas set around 20 - last time I didn't have gas, bad mistakeThe last picture - middle bead on the last set of pictures - middle bead was my last ....... any advice would be appreciated  =)
Reply:Good link Graham, we should make some of those stickies.John -  fabricator extraordinaire, car nut!-  bleeding Miller blue! http://www.weldfabzone.com
Reply:Your filler may be clumping up and balling up because you are passing it through the heat of the torch(clumps, balls, and turns grey and falls off the filler itself). Increase your angle more of the filler (more horizontal) and dip into the front of the puddle. Also hold your torch more verticle but not totally straight up and down. I am trying to keep laymens terms here so I hope you understand what I mean.T.J.www.tjsperformance.comDynasty 300 DXHTP 240HTP Microcut 380Hyperthem 85JD2 Hyd Bender and HF Hyd Ring Roller all in one =(Frankenbender)Bpt. Mill/DRO4' x 8' CNC Plasma TableInstagram: tjsperformanceYT: TJS Welding and Fabrication
Reply:I agree with the comments on getting your filler into the front of the weld pool, from what you describe and the photo, is seems that the wire is being melted by the arc and not the puddle.Dip the filler into the puddle.Also, as mentioned, keep the torch almost vertical, slightly angled to push the puddle ahead and give room to dip the filler.Also, can you estimate how far from the workpiece you are holding the torch?  What is the average distance between the tip of the tungsten electrode and the surface of the plate (arc gap)?  I suspect you are too far away, and not yet very consistent in holding the distance.  The arc gap should be no more that about 1/8" max.  The shorter the arc, the more concentrated the arc is, so welding is more precise and controllable.
Reply:Thanks for the comments -- yeah, I was pushing the puddle wrong, actually I was going the wrong direction.I'm going to post some new pics of my beads I did this morning; much better I believe.AcademyKP03Miller Sychcrowave 200